MARK OF RICHARD SAWYER, DUBLIN, 1803

The presentation inscription reads, Presented by the Shelelach Yeomanry to Brigade Major Randle Myers, with a further inscription on the ribbon below reading, Shelelagh Yeomanry; Shelelagh Cavalry Wm Wainright Capn; Shelelagh Infantry; Coolatin Corps Thos Chamney Capn; Tinapely Corps John Revell Capn; Coolkenno Corps John Revell Capn; Carnew Corps Thomas Swan Capn.

Shelelagh [Shillelagh], Coolatin [Coollattin], Tinapely [Tinahely], Coolkenno and Carnew are neighboring villages in County Wicklow and County Wexford in Ireland. William Wainwright, captain of the Shelelagh Cavalry, was steward in Ireland to William Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl of Fitzwilliam (1748 - 1833). The Earl had inherited his immense fortune, Irish estates and steward from his mother's brother Charles Watson-Wentworth (1730 - 1782), Prime Minister and 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. A correspondence between Wainwright and Lord Fitzwilliam exists in the Sheffield archives as Wentworth Woodhouse Muniments (WWM/F/82/-WWF/F/134). A portion of these correspondences, dated 1797 and 1798, the year of the rebellion in Ireland, refer to the Shelelagh Yeomanry, made up of Fitzwilliam tenantry. They further reflect Wainwright's concern with the number of Catholics among the Shelelagh Cavalry, and how he hopes they will remain.

A 1786 salver by Smith and Sharp, and engraved with an indentical inscription as part of a nearly identical engraving was sold at Sotheby's, London, 7 June 2007, lot 134.