A rare George II Irish sterling silver salver, Dublin 1731 by William Williamson I (active 1715-38)

Of shaped circular form, with shaped cavetto edge and gadrooned rim, raised on three pad feet. The field centre engraved with two coats of arms accollé within rocaille C scroll and floral mantling. Fully marked to the reverse. Reshaped and engraved later in the 18th century.

Diameter – 36.8 cm / 14.5 inches

Weight – 1184 grams / 38.07 ozt

The arms are for Paul accollé with Paterson

For an unidentified gentleman of the Paul family who perhaps could claim cousinship to the Paul family who were created Baronets of Paulville in the County of Carlow within the Baronetage of Ireland on the 20th January 1794 and an unidentified daughter of the family of Paterson.

William Williamson I of Cole Alley, apprenticed to William Skinner in 1707 then turned over Alexander Sinclair, Freeman 1726, elected Warden 1732-5 and Master in 1737-8. Apprentices were Bartholomew Mosse in 1726 and Thomas Issacs in 1728.

For examples of early 18th century Irish silver adapted later in the century, please see the collection at Trinity College, Dublin such as that made for Primate George Stone circa 1730-32.

Andrew Milne Collection