Antique 'Black Forest' Carved Antler Brooch with Horned Deer

This is a vey detailed and interesting hand carved brooch. I think it has been carved from Antler or Stag Horn but there is also a chance it could be carved bone.  It is always so difficult to tell with this natural material. This oval shaped antique brooch has a deer with curved horn standing alert in the centre with some foliage. There are 2 groups of leaves and 2 circles  with cross cut designs around the edges.  This kind of  hand carved work was often carried out in the Black Forest area and materials carved included wood, horn, antler, ivory, bone and later on early plastics such as bakelite.  I would estimate that this lovely antique brooch is late19th Century or very early 20th Century in date.  Because of the hand carving every antique brooch like this is unique.  The brooch is in excellent order, is approx  1.5 by 1.25 inches in size and fastens with an old fashioned c clasp. 

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: No, this is a 'one off'

Country of Origin: Continental Europe

Condition: Very Good

Decade:  1890s -1900s

Era: Antique

Type: Brooch

Material: Antler Horn or Bone and metal