After a hectic couple of months since the end of summer, the auction scene now appears to be slowing down with fewer such events planned for the coming weeks. Over the days ahead, for example, the auctions on offer are relatively low key affairs such as that organised by Hamilton Osborne King in the company's Blackrock premises next Wednesday at 2.30 p.m. While such sales have little of the excitement of a country house clearance, they often offer better opportunities to private buyers who are less likely to suffer from trade competition. The 375-odd lots offered by HOK include plenty of furniture, of course, with some Irish pieces. Among these is a mahogany side cabinet circa 1830 (estimate £1,000-£1,500) and a mid-19th century bobbin-turned chair probably by Strahan (£200-£300). Other furniture in the sale runs from a late 19th century mahogany desk (£400-£600) and a flame mahogany sideboard, circa 1840 (£600-£1,000) to a 19th century ebonised and red boulle side cabinet (£600-£800) and an oak refectory table in the 17th century style (also £600-£800). Oil and watercolour paintings, maps and prints are also on offer here, together with silver and plate. Among the latter lots is a three-piece Mappin & Webb tea service from 1911 (£400-£600), a pair of late 19th century Birmingham desk candlesticks (£200-£300) and a silver and tortoiseshell dressing table set, also Birmingham and dating from 1924 (£400-£600). There are in the region of 100 lots of pottery, porcelain and glass where items include a 19th century Burslem Doulton part dinner service (£200-£300) and a quantity of 19th century ruby glassware (also £200-£300).