Theatre and Entertainment, Co Dublin, Dublin, Theatre Royal, copper, crowned wm monogram, theatre royall around, the mid: gal: in centre, rev. shield containing harp, 30mm, 12.22g/12h (D & W 3/25; MG 372). Fine and very rare; set in double gold surround mount with grained edge and loop for suspension £300-350

Dublin’s first Theatre Royal, erected in Smock Alley in 1662, became the premier theatrical venue in Ireland after the declaration of peace by William III in 1692, the year this piece was struck. It was rebuilt in 1735 (see next lot) but suffered from competition within the city in the second half of the c18th and closed in 1788