Irish Solid Silver - Antique Solid Irish Silver Tea Caddy Spoon - Hallmarked 1973 - EU accession Spoon - Dublin Silver - DC12

IRISH BUYERS WILL GET A SHIPPING DISCOUNT PLEASE CONTACT US.

A gorgeous vintage, classical item from the renowned Irish Silversmiths Thomas O'Conner & Sons of Dublin - this lovely little solid silver tea caddy spoon is beautiful in its simplicity. Made in Sheffield, it was assayed in Dublin in 1973. With today's rise in interest in the Speciality Teas Market, vintage items like this are once again much sought after and make superb Wedding and Silver Wedding gifts. The spoon measures 3.2" or 79mm long and is 1.45" or 37mm wide at the widest point. It weighs 32 grammes or 1.13oz.
This item was produced to celebrate Ireland's entry into the E.E.C or European Economic Market, ( we now know as the EU or European Union ) in 1973. The handle is in the shape of the Gleninsheen Collar that is a neck ornament made from a worked sheet of pure gold dating from around 700bc. The collar was found by a farmer in 1932 near to the Gleninsheen wedge tombs. It has been included in books such as the History of Ireland in 100 objects. With an addition hallmark of the Glenninsheen Collar which was used during this year 1973 along with the usual other Irish marks and makers hallmark.
The same spoon is included in various collections across the world including the John Norie collection of Caddy Spoons and the Pearson Silver Collection of post war British silver.
Thomas O'Connor and his son Jim specialised in silver and jewellery with an Irish theme, they opened up the Claddagh ring market in the USA.
The silversmiths in 1983 were victims of one of the largest diamond and gold thefts in European history, when Martin Cahill (The General) stole over 2.5 million Euro's in stock, by breaking into a boiler room not connected to the alarm system (we recommend the movie "The General" about the life and death of Martin Cahill). The O'Connor's were underinsured and never recovered.
A perfect, classical gift for a special occasion - Wedding, Engagement; a memorable gift for daily use.

The engineering on the item is superb and the marks to the back of the spoon are all crisp and clean This is an old stock item and never used.

Your purchase will be very carefully packaged with recycled materials where possible and despatched via the Irish An Post postal service. THE PRICE INCLUDES TRACKED SHIPPING.