MARSH'S of Cork are holding what they call "as good a selection of fine furniture as has been seen" in the city for some time next Tuesday, starting at 11.30 a.m. on the company premises at Rochford Lane off Grand Parade.

No estimates have been given for the approximately 250 lots, but among the pieces is an Irish Revival giltwood mirror, profusely carved and surmounted by the figure of Mother Ireland carrying sword and harp and flanked on either side by a harpist, warrior, tower and castle. The piece measures 6ft 2in by 6ft.

Other items of interest are an early 19th century kingswood serpentine ormolu mounted vitrine, with four painted panels in the vernis martin style, as well as a two French boulle ormolu mounted serpentine credenzas from the same period. A pair of matching oval carved giltwood mirrors, each approximately 5ft high are to be sold as separate lots, although the purchaser of the first will be offered an option on the other before it does to sale.

The auction will feature yet another mirror, this time in Venetian style with carved giltwood frame and bevelled glass as well as a shaped and ebonised French ormolu mounted marble topped pedestal fitted with a pictra dura door panel, a marble topped giltwood console table standing on two feet and an early 19th century French clock in ormolumounted porcelain under a glass dome. There is also a selection of Belleek and Meissen porcelain the latter including a part dinner service.