Details

A GEORGE III IRISH SILVER FREEDOM-BOX MARK OF BENJAMIN STOKES, DUBLIN, DATED 1761 Circular, the cover engraved with a coat-of-arms and three scenes of linen production and delivery, the base engraved with an inscription, marked in base and near rim 3 in. (7.6 cm.) diameter 3 oz. 16 dwt. (121 gr.) The inscription reads 'The Linen Drapers of the To[..] of Newry & Country Adjacent most Respectfully offer their thanks with this box to James Fortescue Esqr. of Ravens=dale park for his many Eminent Services to that Manufacture. Dated Feby. 20th. 1761' The arms are those of Fortescue, for James Fortescue (1725-1782) of Ravensdale Park, co. Louth, Ireland. He sat in the Irish Parliament as M.P. for Dundalk in 1757 and later for co. Louth in 1761. He married Mary Henrietta (d.1814), daughter of Thomas Orby Hunter, in 1757. His son William (1764-1829) later became the 2nd Earl of Cleremont.