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Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880
Puckerings
sold SA165323
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Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

19th century
Sold by Puckerings
Description

An absolutely stunning Victorian heavy cast brass inkwell in the form of "Greyfriars Bobby". I will be leaving the story of this wonderful Skye Terrier at the end of this description.

The dish base is created from polished brass and the dog's head is absolutely stunning, beautifully executed with wonderful detailing, including his original two glass eyes.

The head opens with the hinge in good working order, revealing the ceramic ink chamber within.

I have left the brass untouched with a wonderful antique patina, you just can't buy this aged originality; you could of course polish to gleam should you wish.

Excellent all round condition, with a base diameter 6" and standing 4 1/2" tall.

Now for the story ...

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it.

The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded or forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872.

The famous Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby was so devoted to his master John Gray, even in death, for fourteen years Bobby lay on the grave only leaving for food.

It is reported that a daily occurance of people from all walks of life would stand at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o'clock gun and the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.

Item ID: 34134

FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From London, England

Declaration

Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA165323
Dealers Internal Reference
34134
Dealers Notes

FREE Worldwide Shipping Directly From London, England

Description
An absolutely stunning Victorian heavy cast brass inkwell in the form of "Greyfriars Bobby". I will be leaving the story of this wonderful Skye Terrier at the end of this description.
The dish base is created from polished brass and the dog's head is absolutely stunning, beautifully executed with wonderful detailing, including his original two glass eyes.
Puckerings
fig 1. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
fig 1. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

The head opens with the hinge in good working order, revealing the ceramic ink chamber within.

I have left the brass untouched with a wonderful antique patina, you just can't buy this aged originality; you could of course polish to gleam should you wish.

fig 2. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
fig 2. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

Excellent all round condition, with a base diameter 6" and standing 4 1/2" tall.

Now for the story ...

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it.

fig 3. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
fig 3. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded or forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872.

The famous Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby was so devoted to his master John Gray, even in death, for fourteen years Bobby lay on the grave only leaving for food.

fig 4. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
fig 4. Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

It is reported that a daily occurance of people from all walks of life would stand at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o'clock gun and the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.

Item ID: 34134

FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From London, England

Date of Manufacture

Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA165323
Dealers Internal Ref
34134
Puckerings
Puckerings
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2009

A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Puckerings Profile Page

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Archive I Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880

Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - C.1880

Archive II Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880 View II
Archive III Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880 View III
Archive IV Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880 View IV
Archive V Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880 View V
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Telephone 07853 189 922
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jul 2009
Items For Sale 383
Items Sold 7,601
Puckerings
Puckerings
Verified Since Jul 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
Jul 2009
For Sale
383
Sold
7,601
Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
Ref: SA165323
Antique Figural Inkwell - Greyfriars Bobby - Dog - c.1880
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