Object Description
A good antique silver double marrow scoop. Very plain practical style. Used for scooping marrow out of bones, one end is typically wider than the other to accommodate bones of different sizes, such as large beef shanks versus smaller game bones.
Weight 53g, 1.7 troy oz.
Length 24.5cm 9.6ins.
Dublin 1804.
Maker John Pittar.
Sterling silver.
Marks. Stamped on the handle reverse with a full set of Irish silver hallmarks.
Maker: John Pittar
The Pittar family was of French Huguenot origin, and established themselves in Dublin as goldsmiths on arrival in Ireland during a period of religious persecution of protestants in France.
In 1757 goldsmith John Pittar I, was admitted by service as a Freemen of the city of Dublin, having completed an apprenticeship. In 1780 his son John Pittar II, goldsmith and flatware specialist, was admitted as a freeman by birth. His mark was entered in Dublin 1784. Address 21, Ross Lne, Bride St (1784-1803), 10 Stephens Green (1804-1814), Windy Harbour (1815-1825). John junior’s son Parke Pittar, goldsmith, was admitted Freeman of the City by birth in 1807.
Due to severe economic problems in Ireland during the 19th century there was a severe decline in the market for fine silver items and many tradesmen emigrated, including Parke Pittar and possibly his father. Pittar settled in Calcutta, India, where a branch of the family traded as silversmiths (c. 1831-1848), and tried to rebuild their lives.
Records from the Landed Estate Courts Rentals that show properties previously owned by the Pittar family, sold from the 1850s and by 1901 the Irish census recorded that there were no longer any Pittar descendants in the country.
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