Victorian ‘Irish Bog Oak’ Brooch

This scarce, antique Irish ‘bog oak’ brooch from the late 1800’s has been beautifully hand carved and pierced with lovely detail. The oval domed brooch features an Irish harp, an Irish Wolfhound dog, and what looks like the Irish ‘Round Tower’ in Galway, all surrounded by a wreath of shamrocks. Other than a small piece missing on the border, it’s in very good condition. The brooch measures 5,6cm x 4,8cm x 2cm.

Note: ‘Bog oak’ is made from semi-fossilized wood, where trees had fallen into rivers over thousands of years and been covered by silt and mud. In Ireland, such wood was trapped in peat bogs (Wetlands of decomposing trees and vegetation).