Irish Tenants Gift To The Earl Of Bandon

Irish tenants' gift to the Earl of Bandon, 1871. 'The young Earl of Bandon was presented, on his twentieth birthday, at Castle Bernard, in the county of Cork, with an address signed by 800 of his tenants, occupying 60, 000 acres of land, and with a set of seven magnificent dinner and dessert ornaments. The centrepiece stands over 3 ft. high, and is a nine-branch épergne and candelabrum; at the base are groups of stags, with rich oak scroll. The arms, crest, and coronet are chased in bas-relief, and the following inscription is engraved on a raised embossed shield: "Presented to the Right Hon. the Earl of Bandon by his tenantry, February, 1870." The remaining six stands, for fruit, have groups of horses, cows, and other animals. The modelling is artistic and beautiful. The weight of silver is 700 ounces, and value of the whole is £500. The design was furnished by Mr. Hackett, Patrick-street, Cork'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)