Special Collections

Sold on 17 December 2007

1 part

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Irish Medals in Gold and Silver from the Collection of James Spencer

James N Spencer

Lot

№ 1079

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17 December 2007

Hammer Price:
£330

Dublin, Private Theatre [1796], a silver ticket by W. Mossop, robed figures of Tragedy, Comedy and Lyric supporting scroll, rev. named (1, Hon. L. Taylor), 35mm (D & W 5/40; Gilbert 14; Frazer p.451; cf. T. Millett FPL 2007, 78; cf. Baldwin FPL 1995, 274). Minor rim knock on obverse at 6 o’clock, otherwise good very fine and toned, rare (£100-150)

Dissatisfaction among certain of the nobility and gentry in Dublin with the way affairs were being conducted at the city’s Theatre Royal led to the establishment in 1796 of a Private Theatre at Fishamble street, under the management of the Earl of Westmeath and Frederick Jones, a theatre promoter and gentleman of independent means from Vesington, co Meath. Each subscriber was allowed two silver tickets and could, if qualified, take a part in the performance (Gilbert, appendix VII, p.xv). Sold with much further background information