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    FURNESS SALE IS BRIMFUL OF INTEREST

    Sunday, October 4th, 2015

    The Spirit of Justice by the Cork artist Daniel Maclise (1806-1870) is among the top lots at the brimful of interest sale by Fonsie Mealy at Furness, Naas, Co. Kildare on October 6.  Representing Ireland as a female figure holding a harp it is inscribed “Caroline Norton, a study for justice in the House of Lords”. Caroline Norton was the younger sister of Helen Blackwood, Baroness Dufferin and Clandeboye. In the 1960’s it was acquired by Mariga Guinness whose son Patrick, President of the Irish Georgian Society, is currently downsizing from Furness. The one day sale of 749 lots offers much of interest in all price ranges. The Maclise is estimated at 50,000-70,000. Viewing is at Furness, the sale is at Killashee Hotel in Naas. Here is a selection:

    The Spirit of Justice by Daniel Maclise (50,000-70,000).

    The Spirit of Justice by Daniel Maclise (50,000-70,000).  UPDATE: THIS CHANGED HANDS FOR 50,000 AFTER THE AUCTION.

    The Francis Johnston Speaker Clock - The Irish Houses of Parliament Speaker's Clock (70,000-90,000).

    The Francis Johnston Speaker Clock – The Irish Houses of Parliament Speaker’s Clock (70,000-90,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 115,000 AT HAMMER

    Early 19th century Irish bagpipes, by family tradition The Fenian Bag Pipes

    Early 19th century Irish bagpipes, by family tradition The Fenian Bag Pipes (600-800)  UPDATE: THESE MADE 660 AT HAMMER

    St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin by George Miller (5,000-7,000).

    St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin by George Miller (5,000-7,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 4,400 AT HAMMER

    An antique pierced helmet in two parts, by repute belonging to Sir Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Stafford, The Lord Deputy of Ireland (2,500-3,500),

    An antique pierced helmet in two parts, by repute belonging to Sir Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Stafford, The Lord Deputy of Ireland (2,500-3,500),  UPDATE: THIS MADE 5,600

    An 18th century carved gilt wood mirror originally at Carton (30,000-50,000).

    An 18th century carved gilt wood mirror originally at Carton (30,000-50,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 40,000 AT HAMMER

    RICKSHAW OR ROAD COACH AT FONSIE MEALY’S FURNESS AUCTION

    Friday, October 2nd, 2015

    Rickshaw or road coach? The choice is yours at Fonsie Mealy’s auction of contents from Furness, Naas, home to Patrick and Louise Guinness, on October 6. The president of the Irish Georgian Society, who is son of Desmond and Mariga Guinness, is downsizing.  One consequence of this is a fascinating sale of just shy of 750 choice lots.   The Marquess of Lansdowne’s rickshaw is 19th century, Japanese, lacquered and decorated with peacocks and other birds. Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne (1845-1927) was a British politician and Irish peer who served successively as Governor General of Canada, Viceroy of India, Secretary of State for War and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. His rickshaw is estimated at 2,000-3,000.

    The 19th century full size road coach bears a full coat of arms on both doors including the Conyngham family of Co. Meath and may well have been used by George IV on his visits to Slane Castle.  The interior is fitted and it is 11’6″ long. The estimate is 20,000-30,000.  If that sounds a bit beyond the budget a buyer might find contentment with a pair of late 19th/early 20th century Plains beaded hide moccasins decorated with blue, red, white and black beads typical of a native North American Indian design.  These are estimated at 1,000-1,500.  Viewing is on the premises at Furness, the sale will be held at Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare.

    The Marquess of Lansdowne's rickshaw (2,000-3,000)

    The Marquess of Lansdowne’s rickshaw (2,000-3,000)   UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,700 AT HAMMER

    A rare early 19th century full size road/family coach (20,000-30,000).

    A rare early 19th century full size road/family coach (20,000-30,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 32,000 AT HAMMER

    A pair of rare Plains beaded moccasins (1,000-1,500).

    A pair of rare Plains beaded moccasins (1,000-1,500).  UPDATE: THESE MADE 750 AT HAMMER

    A DESIGN AUCTION AT DE VERES

    Thursday, October 1st, 2015

    An Italian rosewood circular table from the 1960’s is one of 141 lots of design from Italy, Denmark, France Britain and Ireland which will come under the hammer at de Veres design auction in Dublin on October 6. The sale features furniture, sculpture, carpets, glass and Irish art.  Examples of the materials favoured by leading designers include rosewood, maple, burr walnut, plywood, chrome, leather and gilt brass. The catalogue is on line. Here is a small selection:

    An Italian rosewood circular centre table (1,500-2,500)

    An Italian rosewood circular centre table (1,500-2,500)  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 1,400 AT HAMMER

    An Italian rosewood circular centre table (1,500-2,500).

    An Italian rosewood circular centre table (1,500-2,500).

    A pair of rosewood upright bookcases, Danish (800-1,200).

    A pair of rosewood upright bookcases, Danish (800-1,200).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 700 AT HAMMER

    A Danish bureau c1970 (400-600).

    A Danish bureau c1970 (400-600).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 900 AT HAMMER

    Device - A tapestry by Patrick Scott (1921-2014) (8,000-12,000)

    Device – A tapestry by Patrick Scott (1921-2014) (8,000-12,000)  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 14,500 AT HAMMER

    THE CONTRACT THAT LAUNCHED THE BEATLES MAKES £365,000

    Tuesday, September 29th, 2015
    The Beatles contract.

    The Beatles contract.

    The contract that launched The Beatles, the most successful band of all time,  sold at Sotheby’s in London today for £365,000.  Signed on 1st October 1962, just days before the release of their first single ‘Love Me Do’, it bound together the Beatles with manager Brian Epstein.  This is the only management contract signed between the Beatles and Epstein after the band attained its final line-up of John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr.

    The story of Epstein’s relationship with the Beatles is more of a romance than a business deal. From the very first time he heard their sound, Brian Epstein was determined to be their manager. He had never managed a band before but he soon convinced them that he could do the job; he was, after all, a successful businessman, ran the best record shop in town, was smartly dressed, and, at 27, he had the wisdom of age!

    The young Beatles had long known Epstein by sight as the manager of NEMS (North End Music Stores), a treasure-trove of American 45s for the rock and roll-hungry teenagers. Epstein only became aware of the band when a fan asked him for a copy of ‘My Bonnie’, on which they featured as backing band. He soon tracked them down, and on November 9, 1961 visited the Cavern Club in Liverpool to hear them play for the very first time. He returned every day for a week.

    The Beatles agreed to take him on as their manager at a band meeting on December 10, 1961. Epstein immediately set to work putting together the look that would soon become famous around the world. More than a traditional manager, he was considered “The Fifth Beatle”. The band began to crumble after his sudden death in August 1967. As Lennon put it on hearing the news, “We loved him and he was one of us.”

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for September 5, 2015)

    A SELECTION OF WATCHES AT O’REILLY’S OF FRANCIS ST.

    Monday, September 28th, 2015

    There is an interesting selection of 20 vintage gentleman’s wrist watches from a private collection at O’Reilly’s sale of jewellery and silver at Francis St., Dublin on September 30. Estimates range from 80 to 8,000 (for a gold Rolex oyster perpetual day date wrist watch). There are diamond rings across various price ranges. The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:

    A GENT’S 18CT GOLD ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY DATE WRIST WATCH (7,000-8,000)

    A GENT’S 18CT GOLD ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY DATE WRIST WATCH (7,000-8,000)

    A THREE STONE DIAMOND RING (8,500-9,000)

    A THREE STONE DIAMOND RING (8,500-9,000)

    A vintage Omega wrist watch (200-300).

    A vintage Omega wrist watch (200-300).

    A GENT’S 18CT GOLD PATEK PHILIPPE WRIST WATCH (3,500-4,500).

    A GENT’S 18CT GOLD PATEK PHILIPPE WRIST WATCH (3,500-4,500).

    A RARE SET OF IRISH 1786 SILVER TEA CADDIES

    Sunday, September 27th, 2015
    Antique Irish Silver Dublin Tea Caddies Dennis Fray 1786

    Antique Irish Silver Dublin Tea Caddies Dennis Fray 1786

    A rare and quirky set of Irish silver tea caddies made in Dublin by Dennis Fray in 1786 has surfaced with London and Dublin based L and W Duvallier.  The construction is unusual in that they are not symmetrical. They are slightly twisted.  The caddies are on four trefoil feet with bead borders.

    William Crofton of Duvallier’s remarked: “In nearly 30 years of dealing I have not seen a set of three Irish tea caddies on the market. The only other set of Irish tea caddies known are in the John Rowan Collection, now housed in the San Antonio Museum in Texas. They are by Ambrose Boxwell circa 1770 and are much smaller. This set is illustrated on page 63 of The Genius of Irish Silver A Texas Private Collection”.

    He remarked that they would make an important addition to any serious collection. They are priced at £22,500.

    VASES MAKE 560,000, IRISH AUCTION RECORD FOR PORCELAIN

    Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
    One of a pair of large powder blue Chinese vases, Qing Period (30,000-40,000).

    One of a pair of large powder blue Chinese vases. SOLD FOR 560,000.

    A pair of large Chinese powder blue vases sold for 560,000 at the opening day of Sheppards two day sale at Capard House in Co. Laois yesterday. This was an Irish auction record for porcelain.  The purchaser was a bidder in the room who had travelled to the auction from Beijing.  They had been estimated at 30,000-50,000.  Each of the vases had the mark of Qianlong on the base and were on carved gilt wood stands.

    The opening day of the sale went on to 10 pm as bidding was heavy on the internet, on the telephones and in the room.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for September 11, 2015).

    AN EDWIN HAYES OIL LEADS ADAM’S SUNDAY INTERIORS AUCTION

    Sunday, September 20th, 2015

    A classical Edwin Hayes oil painting – Shipping off the coast at Genoa – was the top lot at the James Adam Sunday Interiors auction in Dublin today.  It sold for a hammer price of 8,200.  A 19th century telescopic dining table made a hammer price of 7,700. An oval portrait of Mary Preston by Hugh Douglas Hamilton sold for 4,800, an early 19th century Irish side table made 6,800, twelve panel back dining chairs in the Georgian style made 6,000 and a Victorian walnut and marquetry credenza sold for 5,000.  Adams reported strong bidding and 68% of lots on offer found buyers.  The sale realized 218,000.

    EDWIN HAYES RHA RI ROI (1819-1904) Shipping off the Coast at Genoa MADE 8,200

    EDWIN HAYES RHA RI ROI (1819-1904) Shipping off the Coast at Genoa MADE 8,200

    19TH CENTURY MAHOGANY TELESCOPIC EXTENDING DINING TABLE MADE 7,700

    19TH CENTURY MAHOGANY TELESCOPIC EXTENDING DINING TABLE MADE 7,700

    ONCE IN A BLUE MOON DIAMOND AT SOTHEBY’S

    Thursday, September 17th, 2015
    THE BLUE MOON DIAMOND.

    THE BLUE MOON DIAMOND.

    The Blue Moon Diamond – among the largest fancy vivid blue diamonds known – will be the centrepiece at Sotheby’s auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva on November 11.  It weighs 12.03 carats and has been graded Fancy Vivid Blue – the highest possible colour grading for blue diamonds — by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Internally flawless it comes to market with an estimate of $35-55 million.

    David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division, commented: “The tremendous excitement last year over the discovery of a 29.62-carat blue rough diamond at the Cullinan mine in South Africa has now been proved to have been totally justified. Weighing in at 12.03 carats, the ‘Blue Moon’ diamond is a simply sensational stone of perfect colour and purity, combined with a superb cushion shape. Blue, for me, is the most mysterious and magical of all the colours of diamond, and the Blue Moon will now take its place among the most famous gems in the world.”

    A SUNDAY INTERIORS AUCTION AT JAMES ADAM, DUBLIN

    Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

    The Sunday Interiors sale at James Adam in Dublin on September 20 offers everything from a portrait of Casimir Markievicz to a Victorian silver claret jug.  There are 400 lots of furniture, paintings, silver and decorative arts. Here is a small sample.  The catalogue is online.

    A VICTORIAN SILVER REPOUSSÉ CLARET JUG, London 1878 (2,000-3,000).

    A VICTORIAN SILVER REPOUSSÉ CLARET JUG, London 1878 (2,000-3,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,900

    HUGH DOUGLAS HAMILTON RHA (1734-1808) Viscountess Lifford (4,000-6,000)

    HUGH DOUGLAS HAMILTON RHA (1734-1808) Viscountess Lifford (4,000-6,000)  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 3,500 AT HAMMER

    IRISH BREAKFRONT MAHOGANY BOOKCASE, c.1920 (2,000-3,000).

    IRISH BREAKFRONT MAHOGANY BOOKCASE, c.1920 (2,000-3,000).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 2,000

    A portrait of Casimir Markievicz attributed to John Butler Yeats (1839-1922) (3,000-5,000)

    A portrait of Casimir Markievicz attributed to John Butler Yeats (1839-1922) (3,000-5,000)  UPDATE: THIS WAS WITHDRAWN