Survey Data

Reg No

30333016


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Artistic, Social, Technical


Original Use

Post box


In Use As

Post box


Date

1900 - 1910


Coordinates

185005, 231204


Date Recorded

03/09/2009


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Freestanding cast-iron pillar post box, c.1905, with cast insignia of Edward VII, dentillated cap and with cast maker's name to base. Located to front of court house in Ballinasloe.

Appraisal

The design is enhanced by the royal cipher with crown motif, which enlivens the appearance of this otherwise functional object. It identifies the reign of Edward VII (1901-1910). Many pre-Independence post boxes were simply repainted green and retained their royal insignia, and those with the insignia of Edward VII are quite rare given the shortness of his reign. Like much cast-iron in Britain and Ireland, it was manufactured by a Scottish foundry, in this case McDowall Stephen and Company of Glasgow.