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"Erin go Bragh" is a simple phrase with a powerful meaning.
First uttered during the Irish Rebellion of 1789 as a rallying cry for Irish independence, Erin go Bragh, is the Anglicization of Érie go Brách, which translates to "Ireland until Doomsday." In more recent years, the translation was simplified to mean Ireland Forever.
In the 19th century, Erin go Bragh was used as a slogan to express Irish national pride, so it is no surprise to see this motto pop up on this wonderful watch fob of the era.
Watch fobs rose to popularity alongside the advent of pocket watches in the 1770s. They originally were worn and adored by both men and women, however in the 19th century they became more commonly associated with men's fashion.
Once the fad of pocket watches went by the wayside, many fobs were re-imagined into ladies charm bracelets or worn on necklaces, which is still popular today.
This gold gilt fob is particularly fetching as it features a beautiful piece of foiled back amethyst simply engraved with the words Erin Go Bragh. Did this belong to a member of the rebellion? We'll never know, but we like to think so!
This fob also functions as a wax seal and comes on a heavy vintage gold filled chain with dog clip.
Additional Details
Date: 1830s-1840s
Materials: Gold gilt, amethyst, foil, gold filled chain
Measurements: Fob: 1 1/16" x 9/16" Chain: 24"
Markings: Fob: None, Dog Clip: Marked Simmons, Chain marked A Co. gold filled
Condition: Very Good - Excellent
Amethyst has surprisingly few surface scratches considering the age, which leads us to believe this piece may not have been used or worn very often.
Cleaning and Care
Because the stone is foiled, it CANNOT be immersed in any type of liquid. It will ruin the foiling. Fob can be polished with a dry polishing cloth if needed.
