FURNITURE from two private collections makes up the bulk of Sheppard's sale on February 28th in Durrow. A number of good quality desks are included in the auction, the best of which is a very large Victorian partners desk, approximately 7ft by 5ft, that is expected to fetch £2,000-£2,500.

A fine Victorian mahogany cylinder top, pedestal writing desk, with brass gallery rail, could make more than £3,000, and a Victorian walnut and inlaid Davenport is estimated at £1,400-£1,800.

Other items of interest include a 19th century Sheraton revival Secretaire bookcase dating from 1860 (£3,000-£4,000); a Regency sabre leg sofa table, carrying a low estimate of £1,500-£2,500; and a showy Napoleon III side table adorned with Sevres plaques, which could sell for up to £4,000.