Dublin Working Girls Medal

A Silver medal from Dublin 1915.

This is a fascinating piece of Dublin social history. A 1915 Silver Medal from the Dublin Working Girls’ Drilling Association, manufactured by the prominent Dublin jeweler and silversmith S.H. Waterhouse.
​The "Drilling" referred to on the medal isn't industrial; rather, it refers to physical education and rhythmic gymnastics—a popular movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries aimed at improving the health and discipline of young working-class women through organized exercise and synchronized movement.
​Details of the Medal
​Front : Features a central Irish harp with a banner reading "1915". The surrounding text identifies the organization as the "Dublin Working Girls' Drilling Association."
​Back : Stamped with the maker's name "S.H. WATERHOUSE DUBLIN" and a series of British/Irish hallmarks.
​The Hallmarks:
​BHJ: This is the sponsor/maker's mark, likely for Bernard Henry Joseph, a known manufacturing jeweler of that era.
​Lion Passant: Indicates the piece is sterling silver (92.5\% pure).
​Leopard’s Head: The assay office mark for London.
​Date Letter "u": Confirms the year of the assay as 1915, matching the date on the front.
​Historical Context
​S.H. Waterhouse (Samuel Hatfield Waterhouse) operated a prestigious jewelry shop at 25-26 Dame Street, Dublin. While they were famous for high-end items and reproductions of the "Tara Brooch," they also held contracts for various civic and athletic medals.
​The year 1915 is particularly significant in Irish history. These associations provided rare recreational outlets for women working in Dublin's factories and shops just a year before the 1916 Rising and during the height of World War I.