Object Record
Images
Metadata
Accession Number |
1955.88.1 |
Object Name |
Watch, Pocket |
Tag Line |
Reverend Henry Irwin's ("Father Pat") American Waltham pocket watch. |
Collection |
Accessories |
Description |
Reverend Henry Irwin's ("Father Pat") silver pocket watch. There are two numbers in this accession - 1955.88.1a and 1955.88.1b. See below for details. 1955.88.1a: Large silver 24 hour pocket watch with a white face. The face has two rings of numbers - the exterior is roman numbers (I - XII) and the inner is Arabic numbers (13-24). Around the exterior of the numbers there is a border with 4 small vertical dashes between each of the roman numerals. There is a long hour hand attached to the centre of the face. The manufacturer's name "American Waltham" is in cursive lettering under the 24. A small round seconds clock is between the V and VI. The seconds clock as a small hand and the numbers 10 - 60 in increments of 10. The top of the watch has a knob for setting/changing the time as well as a small ring for attaching the watch to a chain. The reverse of the pocket watch has a engraved rope border and a square of white dried adhesive. 1955.88.1b: Square brown velvet covered watch box with a hinged lid. The case has a domed lid and a small brass and pearl clasp. The interior of the lid is lined in cream satin that has "C.H. Wallace Co. Limited Jewelers Rossland, BC" in black lettering in the centre. The bottom of the case is padded and lined with cream/yellow velvet. |
Provenance |
Reverend Henry Irwin, better known as "Father Pat" was born in Ireland in 1859 and graduated from Keble College, Oxford in 1881. In 1885, he became an Anglican missionary in Canada and got the nickname "Father Pat". Irwin married Frances Stuart Innes in 1890 and had a child. Tragically, both died, and Irwin returned to Ireland before coming to Rossland in 1896. Beloved by the community, he worked hard to minister to all in the rough and tumble town. Irwin died in Montreal in 1902 and was buried with his family in New Westminster. Rossland was deeply saddened by the loss of Father Pat and quickly started fundraising for a memorial in his honour. Over $1200 (approximately $30,000 today) was raised. The Father Pat Memorial Fountain (Columbia Ave & Queen Street) and the Father Pat Memorial Ambulance were purchased using the fund. |
Made By |
American Waltham |
Material |
Metal/Glass/Velvet/Satin |
Dimensions |
H-8 D-2 Dia-6 cm |
Dimension Details |
Above dimensions are of 1955.88.1a. 1955.88.1b: 5 x 8 x 8 |
People |
Irwin, Henry |
Search Terms |
C.H. Wallace Co. Limited |
Subjects |
Pocket Watch Personal Belongings Time Keeping Accessory |
Source |
W. Gwyer |