THE first ever contents sale of Milford House, home to the Alexander family since the early 1800’s, will be held on November 20 by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers. More than 700 lots will come under the hammer. The family settled in Carlow in the 1780’s and the main source of income was milling. A number of them followed careers in the British Army and there are artefacts passed down through generations and objects acquired through travel to exotic lands.. There is taxidermy including a Russian wild boar and collectibles include an early 19th century Maori Tiki Hei whale bone pendant and a Japanese silver and bronze Okimono, Meji Period, modelled as a Manchuria Crane. The auction will offer family silver, portraits and Irish furniture. Viewing is on the premises from November 18 and the auction will be held at The Talbot Hotel, Carlow. The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:
Aniello Ascione, 17th Century Italian School `one of a pair of Still Life Paintings UPDATE: THERE WERE TWO PAIRS OF PAINTINGS, ONE MADE 20,000 AT HAMMER THE OTHER 16,000
IRISH CHIPPENDALE PERIOD BREAKFRONT BOOKCASE UPDATE: THIS MADE 6,500 AT HAMMER
Highly Important Historical Zulu Artefact Engraving: “The Capture of Cetshwayo – Arrival of The King at Sir Garent Wolselys Camp, Ulundi UPDATE: THIS MADE 5,200
MOUNTED RUSSIAN WILD BOAR, ON CARVED SHIELD SHAPED MOUNT.UPDATE: THIS MADE 400 AT HAMMER