A 19th century bog oak inkstand carved as owl is among the more unusual lots at Hegarty’s sale in Bandon, Co. Cork on February 19. The National Museum of Ireland has a similar owl which bears a maker’s label of Cornelius Goggin, who bore the title “Irish bog oak carver to Her Majesty” (Queen Victoria) in the business of carving bog oak artefacts at 13, Nassau Street Dublin, as early as the 1860’s.
Bog oak is a black hardwood from the bogs of Ireland used for carving various objects. This piece is over one foot tall and is estimated at 2,000-4,000. More than 350 lots will come under the hammer at this auction.
UPDATE: This sold for 1,950.