A Golden Inscribed Casket gifted to The King upon his Opening of the first Northern Ireland Parliament June 1921
In ArchiveDecorated Metal, Embossed and Inscribed Casket. Collection Ref: RCIN 46273 ITEM DESCRIPTION
A Golden Inscribed Casket gifted to The King upon his Opening of the first Northern Ireland Parliament June 1921
According to contemporary 1921 selections from the Belfast Telegraph, and Belfast Weekly Telegraph in the aftermath of the King & Queen’s visit at the State Opening of Parliament in 1921 it was reported by the Papers that there was a 'beautiful 18 carat gold casket' which was presented to the King and Queen by the ‘Mayor’.
The Casket was described in great detail within The Belfast Telegraph edition published on the very day of the Opening of Parliament, on 22nd June 1921, thus:
“The beautiful casket containing the Civic Address was 18 carat Gold, solid and massive while the treatment of the Ancient Christian art of Ireland links it with the style of the far past, of which so many monuments and examples still remain.
The casket is oblong in shape and the hinge plates on the flat surface of the lid are elaborate examples of runic work, pierced and engraved, with amethyst bosses at Centres.
Between these plates the full blazon of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom are enamelled, while the position of His Majesty as King Emperor is indicated by the chain of the Star of India and encircling the Royal garter, and the badge with a star that hangs below, and centre front appears the full Coat of Arms, Crest, and motto of the city of Belfast, in correct enamel colours.
At either end, as on other sides of casket, are Celtic dragons in repousse.
The corners of the casket are guarded by dragons of the ancient Celtic type, and the massive feet treated in bold repousse work form a fitting support to the symbolic creatures which represent the effective power of Northern Ireland in strengthening the unity of the Empire.
On the end of the casket are given the Arms of Ireland and the celebrated Irish motto “Cead Mile Failte” (100,000 welcomes), carried out in Irish Characters, and on the other side the Arms of Ulster.
On the reverse front above the Inscription recording the event is a painted enamel view of the Belfast City Hall.
The casket is fitted on a suitable plinth and is enclosed in a handsome case of Royal blue velvet. Work has been carried out by a well-known city firm of Jewellers Messrs Gibson and Co.
Inscription on casket
This casket contains the Loyal and Dutiful address of the Lord Mayor, Alderman and Citizens of the City of Belfast to his Majesty King George on the occasion of the Opening of the Parliament of Northern Ireland at Belfast. 22 June 1921.”
A gilt metal and enamel casket. The hinged lid is decorated with applied bands of strapwork inset with amethysts with quartz applied and with applied gold and enamel coat of arms of the City of Belfast. The body is applied with winged griffins at each corner and with enamel coat of arms and shields. Back with engraved dedication plaque.
The Casket Measures 13.0 x 27.0 x 13.0 centimetres.
Presented to King George V on the occasion of the opening of the Parliament of Northern Ireland at Belfast, 22nd June 1921
The Casket was made by Gibson & Co Ltd Silversmiths in Belfast
Owned by by Royal Collections Trust Collection Ref: RCIN 46273. Images Used with Permission Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021 Press Clippings Used with Permission of Libraries NI