The Romany Reading caravan at Mealy’s. UPDATE: THIS MADE 22,000 AND WILL STAY IN IRELAND.
An early gypsy caravan by Dunton and Sons of Reading – possibly the earliest surviving Dunton wagon – is the main lot at Mealy’s pre-summer fine and decorative art sale in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny on April 29. John Barker, author of “Romany Relics the wagon album” dates it to around 1895 as there is no skylight and there are turned pillars in the bed space. The fireplace is a later addition and the wheels are not original. The caravan is 13 feet long and 6’8″ wide. It is painted in red and yellow and decorated with stylised flowers. There is a hay rack and storage cupboard to the rear and three up and down sash windows. The front and rear porch brackets have open scrolls and vines and are flanked to each side with lion head gargoyles and two brass and painted metal coach lamps. The Romany Reading Vardo or gypsy caravan is estimated at 20,000-30,000.
The sale of 650 lots includes period furniture, paintings, Oriental art, ceramics and a Dublin collection of more than 50 pieces of early Irish glass. The catalogue is on-line. Here is a small selection (click on any image to enlarge it):
a 19th century carved oak Gothic throne chair (2,000-3,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,800
A c1800 Irish cut glass urn and cover (350-550). UPDATE: THIS MADE 550
A collection of Royal Doulton toby jugs (200-300). THESE MADE 180.