Viscount Pirrie’s Casket
On DisplayThis is a highly decorated and inscribed silver gilt Casket
Viscount Pirrie’s Casket
The Freedom of the City of Belfast presentation casket gifted to Viscount Pirrie
This is a highly ornate and decorated Silver Gilt box with an ornate lid.
The casket stands on six stylised feet with highly detailed scrolling features.
The base of the Casket has four statuesque figures with one placed on each corner
The front face of the casket has the Coat of Arms of the City of Belfast in coloured enamel with the motto “Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus” below.
On either side are two Enamel paintings.
The one on the left side is a representation of the Belfast Shipyards, with which William Pirrie had a long association, in his role at Harland & Wolff Shipyards.
The Enamel on the right hand side is a representation of a Steam ship, sailing at Sea.
Some of the detailing on the face of the Casket includes various Marine animals, and indeed Tridents, which are of course reflective of Viscount Pirrie’s long standing connection with the Sea & Shipbuilding
There are many representations of Shamrocks, together with several representations of a Crown - one placed above the Belfast City Coat of Arms, and the other placed above a raised representation of an Irish Harp
The top of the Casket has a representation of William Pirrie‘s Monogrammed initials, in red, white and blue Enamel.
There are two cherubs who sit on either side. Above the monogram of his initials is a raised enamel shield detailing the Pirrie family crest with the motto “Deeds Not Words”.
The decoration on the rear of the Casket carries on a similar theme to that of the front.
There are two Enamel paintings on either side of the Inscription on the dedication plaque.
On the left is an Enamel painting of Belfast City Hall. On the right is an Enamel painting representing the Royal Victoria Hospital, with which, Viscount Pirrie had a longstanding connection.
The same raised detailing of Shamrocks, Sea creatures and the Irish Harp with Crown are to be found on the rear of the Casket
The Inscription plaque on the rear of the Casket as the following dedication:
“This casket containing the Certificate of Freedom of the City of Belfast
was presented to Alderman The Right Honourable W. J. Perry. J. P.
Lord Mayor 1896 and 1897
High Sheriff for the County of Antrim 1888
By the Aldermen and Councillors of the City of Belfast
13 January 1898”
On either side of the casket are two single enamel paintings of Belfast scenes
The Monogram initials on the Rear of the Casket lid are those of Viscount Pirrie’s wife.
This is owned by Belfast City Council. Image reproduced with the permission of Belfast City Council