By Jimmy Rhatigan
IT IS billed as a Collectors’ Sale and that is exactly what it is as the lots include a fantastic array of all kinds of everything from the annals of our country’s history.
Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, internationally famous vendors and proud sons of Castlecomer are toeing the line health and safety as they focus on their next big sale.
Online bidding is quite common nowadays but the April 27-May 5 Sale will be online only with respect to regulations as we battle with Coronavirus.
The big sale begins on April 27 at 12 noon and finishes on May 5 at 6pm.
In all there are 439 lots, a fascinating Aladdin’s Cave to tickle the fancy of a collector with even a remote interest in Irish history, frills and all.
Included will be important early publications by Dolmen, Cualla and other presses, numerous other signed copies, limited editions, original manuscripts and important GAA and other sporting memorabilia.
Also under the gavel will be Republican Letters and other political material, printed cinema posters, pub memorabilia, vintage whiskey, designer handbags, purses and scarves.
At the Kilkenny Observer we have picked a random selection to highlight but, take our word for it, it should be a sale to beat all sales and if you are looking to own precious piece of Irish history then put the dates into your diary without delay.
There could well be a scrum as enthusiasts bid to get their hands on the picture of the Irish rugby team that played England in season 1884.
Pardon the pun, but many will try-ing for the prized piece and best of luck to whoever scores.
Lot 305 is a 9-carat gold miniature Celtic Tara Brooch, hallmarked Hopkins and Hopkins with pin back; another similar 9ct Brooch with green inset shamrocks and pin back; a 9ct gold harp shaped Brooch with green inlay, and pin back, hall marked; also a tie clasp, as a lot waf (1).
Provenance: Leonard McGrath GAA Dual Star, rugby player and singer. Estimate: €600 to €700.
Pub memorabilia: Lot 383 is a Tullamore Whiskey 12 Year Old, DE Williams, Tullamore, advertisement mirror (worn) in oak frame. €150 to €200.
Lot 387 is a shaped enamel sign ‘Ever Ready Trade Marks – Nine Lives Radio Batteries – National Carbon Products, decorated with cat jumping through a Number 9’ (Scarce) one only. €150 to €200.
Lot 386 is an oval enamel sign for Supplied by James McMahon Ltd, St Alphonso’s Street, and Limerick. €90 to €120.
Lot 388 is a double sided Cigarette Shop Sign for Afton Sold Here. €150 to €200.
Lot 344 is WB Yeats (WB) The Tower 8vo (Mac Millan& Co Ltd) 1928, First Edn, hf title, uncut, gilt décor green cloth, after a design by T Sturge Moore, original duck egg blue d.j. (worn) otherwise clean copy (1).
Lot 345 is a Sewell (Ann) Black Beauty lg, 4to, Boots The Chemists (Jarrolds Publishers n.d. published for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, cold, frontis and 17 cold, plts, gilt décor, blue cloth (1) €120 to €180.
Scotch Whiskey: Cardhu Highland Malt Whisky, 8 year old, bottled, second batch of 1967, No 4406, 75 Proof, 26 ¾ ounces with explanation booklets, spirit level to base of neck, labels good and with original box (dampen 1) €300 to €400.
