Dog – Greyfriars Bobby

Victorian heavy cast brass inkwell in the form of “Greyfriars Bobby”, a legendary Skye Terrier in Scotland. The dish base is created from 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 back, revealing the removable inkwell within.

Here is the legend:

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible.  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 occurrence 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.