ROBERT BOYLE – NEW EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICO-MECHANICAL
London booksellers Peter Harrington are offering this 1662 second edition of Robert Boyle’s New Experiments in Physico-Mechanical containing the first announcement of Boyle’s law, his most important achievement in physics and one of the greatest contributions to physical science. The emphasis on verifiable experimentation also made it a classic in the establishment of the scientific method. The asking price is £22,000. Regarded today as the first modern chemist Boyle was born at Lismore Castle, the seventh son of the first Earl of Cork.
PAIR OF IRISH PROVINCIAL SILVER SAUCE BOATS, POSSIBLY BY HENRY DOWENS, LIMERICK
This pair of Irish provincial oval sauceboats made a hammer price of £8,500 over an estimate of £600-800 at Dreweatts in Newbury, Berkshire today. On each one the marks are partially obscured. Dreweatts described them as possibly by Henry Dowens, Limerick c1780. Provincial Irish silver by Henry Dowens is exceptionally rare. The sauceboats are engraved with a crest and PH beneath. This is the crest and motto associated with the arms of the Lowry family of Pomeroy House, Co. Tyrone, descended from Robert Lowry (1660-1729) of Pomeroy House, Ahenis, Co. Tyrone.
Original Mazawattee Tea enamel sign. UPDATE: THIS MADE 200 AT HAMMER
This original Mazawattee Tea enamel sign is from Aidan Foley’s online sale of contents from the Groody Bar, Castletroy, Limerick on September 7. The auctioneer has not put an estimate on it but collectibles like this are popular and the entire pub contents are for sale. The name Mazawattee is a derivative of the Hindi word Maza meaning pleasure or fun and the Sinhalese word Wattee meaning a garden. There are 499 lots in the auction.
SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING. UPDATE: THIS MADE €4,600 AT HAMMER
This sapphire and diamond cluster ring is lot 402 at O’Reilly’s sale in Francis St., Dublin on August 26. The sapphire, of Sri Lankan origin, is 2.67 carats and the estimated weight of the diamond surround and shoulders is 0.84 carat. The estimate is €4,600-€5,200. The auction offers 586 lots of jewellery, silver, watches and coins. The catalogue is online.
This 1937 Mercedes Benz was the car used by Hitler’s ambassador to Ireland. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 13,200 AT HAMMER
The 1937 Mercedes 170V Cabriolet B saloon at Marshs sale in Cork on August 29 was registered to the German Ambassador to Ireland during World War II, Dr. Eduard Hempel. Vintage cars like this one are always highly sought after and its significant history should add considerable value.
The Mercedes – refurbished in 1988/89 and in storage since – will form part of a sale of vintage tractors, lorries, farm machinery and railwayana by Marshs at the Ramble Inn, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork on behalf of Alan and Mary Barry, who are retiring.
Appointed to Dublin by Adolf Hitler in 1937 the career diplomat was pressured to join the Nazi Party in 1938 and remained ambassador until 1945. Formal diplomatic accreditation was maintained during the Second World War because of Irish neutrality. The German legation at 58 Northumberland Road in Dublin was a hub for intelligence gathering and communication, though its effectiveness was limited by strict surveillance by Irish counter intelligence.
It was to Dr. Hempel’s home at Sloperton Road in Dun Laoghaire that Eamon de Valera famously called to express the condolences of the Irish Free State on the death of Hitler in 1945.
After the war Dr. Hempel and his family were granted asylum and remained here until 1950. They then returned to Germany where the former ambassador to Ireland helped set up the diplomatic service for the new Federal Republic.
If you thought that getting tickets for Glastonbury was difficult then try getting to see one of the wonders of the medieval world. The 70 metre long Bayeux Tapestry, depicting events leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is the hottest ticket in London town. The tapestry has returned to England for the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago. Historians believe it was commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half brother to William the Conqueror.
Stitched in wool on linen fabric – so not actually a tapestry – it was made by women in England, possibly nuns, before being taken across the Channel. It offers a vision of life in 11th century England before and after the Conquest, from castles, warfare and ships to clothing, food and furniture. It will be on display laid flat and in one long line at the British Museum from next September until July 2027. Demand has been unprecedented with almost 100,000 tickets sold on the first day. Around 7.5 million visitors are expected to see it in England, with tickets being released in phases by the British Museum.
One of over 200 fireplaces in Aidan Foley’s online sale.
The entire contents of Noble Fireplaces, Pouladuff, Cork will be offered by Aidan Foley as one lot in an online auction next Monday evening (July 27). James O’Driscoll is retiring after many years in business. There are more than 200 marble, slate and cast iron fireplaces including 18th century examples and around 20 pallets of furniture from the old Jury’s Hotel in Ballsbridge. Contents include longcase clocks, furniture, mirrors, lighting and architectural items. Viewing is by appointment and offers in the region of €45,000 are sought.
UPDATE: THIS AUCTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND IS NOW DUE TO TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 10.
World Cup Earthball inscribed by Chris Martin with names of performers at halftime show UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR $6,050
Fans across the globe can bid on authentic game-used balls, jerseys signed by national teams, and outfits worn by performers in the first-ever FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show at a charity auction online. Christie’s and Global Citizen have an online sale at Christie’s from until July 29. Proceeds will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities, supporting grassroots organisations worldwide. Lots on offer include a ball used during the final on July 19, jerseys signed by Lionel Messi, Carlos Henrique, David Beckham, Santiago Jiminez, the US team and more. There is clothing used by Shakira, Chris Martin, BTS, Madonna and Justin Bieber during the half time show along with lots of World Cup 2026 memorabilia.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time Zinedine Zidane – who won his World Cup Medal for France in 1998 and Player of the Tournament in the 2006 World Cup – will sell his first personal watch for charity at Christie’s in Geneva on November 9. The Cartier Pasha was the first watch he bought for himself at the beginning of his professional career in Bordeaux nearly 35 years ago and he has worn it ever since. It will be sold in aid of the European Leukodystrophies Association (ELA) as part of a charitable sale of watches. ELA is a non profit organisation which funds medical research, raises public awareness and provides support to families dealing with diseases that destroy the central nervous system.
Discovered in 2021 on a remote ranch in South Dakota Gus became the most expensive T Rex ever sold at Sotheby’s in New York today. It is 67 million years old and made $50.1 million. The bones were excavated over three summers.
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for July 11, 2026)
