Gold Irish Caddy Spoon, Gleninsheen Gorget

On Ireland's entry to the EEC in 1973, the Dublin assay office added a commemorative mark to their hallmarks to celebrate the event. The mark was a representation of the famous Gleninsheen Gorget. The silversmith Thomas O'Connor followed this example by producing silver caddy spoons in the same form and very rarely, but more appropriately in solid gold (the gorget itself was made from gold).

Weighing over 1 troy ounce and produced from the high purity 20ct gold, this caddy spoon is supplied in its original red case and has a lengthy set of hallmarks to the reverse of the bowl. From left to right in the final photo, these read as follows: 

• O'C - maker's mark of Thomas O'Connor
• 20 - for 20 carat purity of gold
• Hibernia - representing the Dublin Assay Office
• Fleur-de-lis - fineness mark for 20 carat gold
• "F" - Date letter for 1973
• Gleninsheen Collar - commemorating Ireland's entry to the European Community

The Gleninsheen Gorget is a U-shaped gold collar found in western Ireland and dating to 800 to 700 BC. It was found in 1932 and now resides in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.