A pair of large Italian Tuscany villa gates at Victor Mee. UPDATE: THESE MADE 4,000 AT HAMMER
A fine pair of large forged iron gates from a villa in Tuscany might set the scene nicely now that climate change is upon us. This decorated and atmospheric pair, complete with two side pedestrian entrance gates and scroll design side pillars, is at Victor Mee’s online summer garden sale on July 15 with an estimate of €6,000-€8,000.
An original red telephone box, an 18th century industrial cast iron cider press, 21 square metres of Bert and May reclaimed floor tiles in a geometric Art Deco pattern of predominantly greys and an early 19th century metal three legged pot are among the collectibles at this sale of 733 lots. A large bronze buddha, sandstone troughs, fountains, granite seats, bronze fighting hares, sculpture, stone walls, seated stone lions, urns, gazebos, planters, spheres and staddle stones will come under the hammer.
Reclaimed geometric floor tiles at Victor Mee. UPDATE: THESE WERE UNSOLD
The market for collectibles is strong in Ireland and internationally. The late billionaire Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, collected all sorts of objects with wealthy discrimination. His collection made more than $100 million over five sales at Christie’s this year, the largest sale total in history for memorabilia. At the last of those sales last week the foundation document for Alcoholics Anonymous made $2.39 million (€2.09 million) with proceeds going to charitable causes. He had amazing stuff, like a signed letter from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson ($2.7 million – €2.36 million) and a pair of used dress circle theatre tickets for the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination ($330,000 – €262.17).
In Ireland the market for collectible memorabilia has grown and grown. Everything from old road signs to enamel cigarette advertising panels to petrol pumps and vintage toys are features at auction up and down the country. Uniqueness and rarity add value, but many items can be picked up for a song.
A Shell fibreglass petrol pump globe at Aidan Foley’s sale. UPDATE: THIS MADE 240 AT HAMMER
Pints to Pistons is the title of Aidan Foley’s online evening sales in Doneraile on July 13 and 14. There is a strong focus on pub and motor trade memorabilia with a big selection of enamel signs, oil stands, original petrol pump globes, advertising signs, mirrors and prints. All are highly reflective of an Ireland that was up to quite recently and now is no more.
Without any doubt there will be much interest in lots like an original enamel Paddy Whiskey advertising sign in a wooden frame, a Shell fibreglass petrol pump globe, a Michelin Man ashtray, a Player’s Please jug, a Duckham’s metal forecourt oil display stand and an Esso Extra two litre can. Once ubiquitous items like these have all but disappeared from life in Ireland.
With signs for everything from Agfa Photos and Robin Starch to Capstan cigarettes, St. Bruno Flake and Churchman’s Noted Counter Shag there is plenty here to reminisce about and encourage a trip down memory lane. Catalogues for all sales are online.
An enamel double sided tobacco sign at Aidan Foley’s sale. UPDATE: THIS MADE 190 AT HAMMER AND WENT TO A BUYER IN AUSTRALIA
