Made by: Mullingar Pewter

Mechanical Pocket Watch with Shamrock/Ireland Design

€47.99
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About this Piece

A Pewter/Stainless Steel Mechanical Pocket Watch with Open Face Pewter Shamrock/Ireland Design.

This is a mechanical gents watch designed to capture that early Victorian look as portrayed by the gentlemen of that time. The watch itself is a manual wind-up and the workings can be seen from both the front face and back of the watch. The chain is 12" in length and has a pocket clip on the end designed to slip on to the cuff of a pocket.

History of the Shamrock

According to legend, St Patrick used the shamrock to teach the Celts about Christianity in the 5th century, with the three leaves representing the Holy Trinity. There were already several triple-deities in Irish mythology, which may have helped locals become accustomed to the concept of the Trinity. 

The name derives from seamróg meaning 'young clover'. Since the 18th century it has been used as an official symbol of Irish heritage, becoming incorporated into numerous local flags, coats of arms, and sports emblems. It is now a yearly St Patrick's Day tradition for the Irish taoiseach (prime minister) to present the President of the United States with a crystal bowl of shamrocks in the White House, as a celebration of Ireland's deep connection to the United States due to the Irish diaspora. 

About the Maker

In 1974, Paddy Collins revived the ancient craft of pewter manufacturing in Ireland, establishing his workshop in Mullingar, County Westmeath. Pewter has existed since ancient Egyptian and Roman times (as an alloy of tin mixed mainly with copper and antimony), and came to Ireland 800 years ago, becoming fashionable among the wealthy and for ceremonial purposes. Mullingar Pewter combines traditional handcrafted techniques that take many years to perfect, along with modern advances (modern pewter no longer contains lead, for instance), producing wonderful heritage gifts.