An exhibition piece of Killarney furniture surmounted by an ebonised cabinet.
A rare Killarney collectors cabinet sold for a hammer price of 34,000 at Fonsie Mealy’s sale in Castlecomer today. The cabinet, in arbutus, yew and bog oak with an ebonised rectangular top, had been estimated at 10,000-15,000. Surmounted by a lying stag the piece is rare, and was almost certainly made as an exhibition piece for an important show or fair in Victorian times. The side panels are carved in relief with a design of round towers, high crosses and harps. The cupboard doors are decorated with views of Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. The top opens to reveal a set of 12 short drawers with shamrock handles, the lower piece opens to four long drawers each inlaid with views of Killarney.
This was the top lot in an auction which brought in 610,000 on the hammer.
(See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for July 4 and July 19).
This 19th century carved oak surprise armchair in the Tudor style sold for 5,200 over a top estimate of 1,750.
This half length portrait of Lady Gregory by Sir Gerald Festus Kelly sold for 15,000 at hammer over a top estimate of 12,000