This magnificent specimen of Cervus Giganteus Hibernicus or Gigantic Irish Deer was the top lot at Mealy's Mallow Castle sale on April 5. It made 35,000.
THESE 20 point Irish elk horns and skull, estimated at 10,000-15,000, made 35,000 at Mealy’s Mallow Castle auction on April 5.
They had last changed hands at the Adare Manor sale in Co. Limerick in 1982.
The top lot at the sale is believed to be at least 12,000 years old. They were excavated from a bog in the 19th century. The Irish Elk became extinct during the last Ice Age around 11,000 years ago.
The record for a set of antlers – £52,875 – was set at Christie’s in London in 2001. That set had previously been at Powerscourt House in Co. Wicklow.
Portrait of Thomas Wentworth sold for 6,500. (click to enlarge)
Lot 603 at this sale was a portrait of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Stafford, attributed to Anthony Van Duke (1599-1641). He served as Lord Deputy of Ireland from 1632 to 1639, was notorious for his harsh rule and dubbed “Black Tom” by the Irish. On his return to England he became leading advisor of King Charles. His attempts to strengthen the royal position against Parliament resulted in his being condemned to death. King Charles signed the death warrant and Wentworth was executed in 1641.