Handmade cufflinks featuring the Scottish Thistle.
The thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the reign of Alexander III (1249 -1286). Legend has it that the Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots, landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear.
As they drew near to the Scots they weren't the only thing hiding under the cover of darkness. One of Haakon's men unfortunately (for him) stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen. Needless to say the Scots won the day.
Dimensions (Diam x H): 17mm x 3mm (approx.)