BARGAIN hunters may wish to call into the James Adam salesrooms in Dublin in anticipation of next Wednesday's auction. Quite a few of the pictures and prints carry modest estimates and may go for relatively low amounts because they are in need of careful cleaning.

The pastel portrait of Lady Steuart attributed to 18th century artist David Martin, for example, is expected to make only £500-£800, probably in part due to the work's rather neglected appearance. Another larger pastel, this time a 19th century pastel portrait of a woman in the style of Sir Thomas Gainsborough, is expected to fetch £500-£700.

Other paintings carrying surprisingly low estimates include a large 19th century Dutch still life, very much in the style of the 17th century (£400-£600), an English 19th century lake and mountain landscape (£200-£300) and an Irish 18th century wooded river landscape (£300-£500).

A selection of handsome miniatures includes an early 19th century portrait of a young lady (£200-£300), a mid 19th century French portrait of a gentleman in the previous century's court dress (£500-£800) and a pair of children's portraits by William Bone Jnr (£600-£900 each).

There arc, of course, more expensive lots in this sale, not least of which is a hunting scene by Heywood Hardy. This is sure to be popular and is expected to make £2,000-£3,000. Similarly, a large winter woodland scene by 19th century artist Anton Windmaier carries a pre sale estimate of £1,000-£2,000, an oil called simply The Slave, by J. Simpson, should sell for £1,500-£2,000 and a pair of late 19th century views of the Waterford coast by William Pye is expected to make £1,500-£2,000. Other Irish pictures include two examples of the late Cecil King's work (£100-£200 and £200-£490 respectively), a portrait of a girl by Maurice Wilks (£1,500-£2,000) and a Madonna and Child by Scan O'Sullivan (£100-£200).

Before auctioning the paintings, next Wednesday's sale opens with a large number of prints, including a very substantial selection of work by the 17th century artist, Antonio Waterloo, who worked in Holland.

Predominantly landscapes, these 30 oddworks range in estimate from £100 to £400. Other items in this section of the sale which are likely to excite most interest include two views of Roman basilicas by Piranesi (£1,500-£2,000 for the air and a 15th/16th century woodcut of the taking of Samson (£200-£400).

The sale also includes an example of Rembrandt's etching work; a portrait of Jan Asselijn is expected to make £1,000-£1,500. If that seems a little beyond the means of most bargain hunters, other prints carry estimates starting at just £40.