A Very Fine Hand Carved Irish Bog Oak Walking Stick of outstanding quality decorated with typical relief-carved decoration of Ferns, an Irish Harp and entwined Shamrocks and a Snake.
The plain horizontal “L” shaped grip above an unmarked silver collar modelled as a tied buckle belt. Complete with original metal brass and steel ferrule which is a little worn.
Condition: Good condition with nice patination on wood. Beautiful straight heavy gauge Stick.
Length: 35.75" (91cm). Width: (at handle) 3.75" (9.5cm).
Irish Bog Oak wood is a rare timber which is excavated from deep underground, usually as a by-product of turf cutting, or when bogland is drained for agricultural use. The wood varies in age, usually ranging between 2,000 and 6,000 years old. The wood has been preserved due to the unique conditions of the Turf bogs in Ireland which waterlog the wood and keep it free from oxygen and sunlight which would cause it to decay. The chemistry of the Bog also reacts with the wood and transforms it's colour. Bog Oak is usually jet black, but occasionally a very dark brown. Throughout the Nineteenth Century and later many decorative items such as small furniture, Writing Slopes Book Slides and Ladies Jewellery, always with distinctive hand carved Irish subjects. This is a really superb Walking Cane offered in good condition.