History
Pocket watches were primarily used in a functional capacity for telling the time however, pocket watches also conveyed social status and wealth. Initially, this was reflected in the cost of pocket watches due to the intricate and small mechanisms within the pocket watch requiring specialist skills. To further express an individual's style and wealth, the watch's accessories could be customised for example the type of chain, the design of the watch and the way the watch is stored. Consequently, watch pockets also served a dual purpose of protecting the pocket watch when not in use and further showing the individual's wealth. Yet, this may have been a wall pocket which may have been used for other objects such as matches.
Design
This watch pocket has a clear floral design with the central white flower containing pearls. The pocket has includes bronze, white and neutral beadwork which is contrasted against the maroon satin background. These contrasting colours and excessive design for a watch pocket indicates a high status individual who likely would have had an equally elaborate or expensive pocket watch as well.
This object was audited and researched as part of the NLHF Data Hunters and Story Gatherers project.
