Irish Silver Spoon Tray, 1715 by Philip Kinnersley

This is a very rare piece of early 18th century Irish silver.

Bearing the "PK" maker's mark of Philip Kinnersley, this silver spoon tray is clearly marked to the top with the crowned harp mark for Dublin and the Gothic date letter "y" for 1715 - note the lack of a Hibernia mark which was not introduced until 1731. The tray has an elongated oval form with an original engraved betrothal triangle to the underside that reads "I" over "A.E" where the "I", which would read as a "J" these days, was the initial letter of the newlyweds surname and "A" and "E" their first names.

This rare silver tray would have held teaspoons to prevent staining to a fine wooden dining table. It is in excellent condition with an antique patina.