While typically there is no date letter, the distinctive Hibernia where the shield follows the outline of the figure is exclusive to 1752-3 (Douglas Bennett, Irish Georgian Silver, 1972, p. 265). William Currie was apprenticed to Peter Gervais in 1718, became a freeman in 1730, and died in 1772.

Two gold Freedom boxes by him, dated 1750 and 1754, were sold in the Duke of Leinster sale, Sotheby’s London, 3 May, 1984, lots 3 and 6; subsequently in the Al-Tajir Collection (illustrated in The Glory of the Goldsmith, Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir collection, nos. 194 and 198, pp.240-242). The 1754 example sold again Christie’s London 19 November 2002. Another example sold in the David and Reggie Rockefeller sale, Christie’s New York, 15 April 2018.

Thomas Sinsteden, authority on Irish silver, has suggested that the engraving may be by the Huguenot engraver Daniel Pomerede, working in Dublin from circa 1750 and moved to Belfast in 1760. His work can be seen on the Race Prize Punch Bowl by William Williamson 11, 1751 in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (accession no. 1973.482; described and illustrated by Elenor M. Alcorn, English Silver in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Vol 11, item 266, pp. 347-349).

Lionel Cranfield Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, 1732, Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

The arms on the cover are those of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lionel Cranfield Sackville, 10th Earl and 1st Duke of Dorset, 1687-1765, K.G., P.C., twice Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1730-37 and 1751-55). At the Coronation of George II in 1727, he was Lord High Steward of England and bearer of King Edward’s Crown. Among his many positions he also held those of Lord President of the Council (1744-51), and Master of the Horse (1755-57). Horace Walpole described him as having the ‘greatest dignity in his appearance, was in private the greatest lover of low humour and buffoonery’ (George II, Vol. I, p. 98).

The arms on the base are those of the City of Waterford. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD and receiving city rights in 1215, which in the 18th and 19th century became known for its port and ship building.