The summer season of auctions has started in earnest, and those outside the capital have an eclectic choice, from Cavan to Cork, in the next week or so.
Auctions were once the first place for new homeowners to pick up inexpensive pieces of furniture – and indeed china, antique cutlery sets, silver and glassware. But while tastes have changed hugely and flatpack furniture has become ubiquitous in the past few decades, auctions are still one of the best places to pick up furniture and quirky household items at keen prices.
Denis Lynes points to several such pieces in Lynes & Lynes next auction in Cork on Saturday, May 24th. The 380 lots include a child’s 1950s Mobo Bronco riding horse, with an estimate of €60-€100, which is far below the online offerings of similar vintage toys.
There is also an antique Singer sewing machine (€30-€60), which will appeal as a display item, or it could be restored for use. The large 19th century church bell (€800-€1,200), which is believed to have been from St Mary’s Church of Ireland Church in Cobh (demolished in 1967), might well be needed elsewhere.
Similarly, the Victor Mee Auction of almost 900 lots on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20th and 21st, from 6pm each day, has lots of furniture that could be painted or polished for use in period or modern homes. For example, there are a few good mahogany chests of drawers (€300-€600 each). Also gilt over mantle mirrors – one at €260-€460 and another more ornate one for €400-€800, and Persian carpets (€600-€1,200) could add style to any living space. A 19th-century carved oak blanket box (€150-€250) and a carved oak floor bookcase (€250-€450) are more practical items. The Singer sewing machine table with a marble top is also a very special piece (€120-€220), and the Please Close the Gate cast-iron sign (€40-€80) is bound to attract buyers.
Rodin on view
A marble sculpture by French sculptor August Rodin, Le Desepsoir (The Despair), which was created between 1892 and 1893, is set for auction next month. The piece, from the creator of The Kiss and The Thinker, has an estimate of €500,000, and is on view at Château de Villandry, near Tours, ahead of its sale by auction house Rouillac.
Thomas for sale
Finally, in association with the American toy manufacturer, Mattel, Prop Store auctions is hosting an online charity auction to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Thomas & Friends. The auction of 200 lots from the beloved television show runs until May 28th. Mattel UK will pay all net proceeds (about 70 per cent) to the National Autism Charity.
lynesandlynes.com; victormeeauctions.ie; propstoreauctions.com
