A LITTLE silver bracelet, described as “possibly Celtic”, created a minor sensation at fine art auctioneers Bonhams in London last week when it sold for £28,800 (€31,841) – 20 times its estimate (£1,000-£1,500/€1,137-€1,705). The bracelet, in the form of twisted ribbon, was sold from an Austrian private collection formed between the 1950s and early 1980s.
But there’s an unexpected Irish twist. The lot featured an old collection label inscribed “Antique silver bracelet found at Rathcormack, Co Cork” and referred to “Mr Day’s printed letter with engraving”. Robert Day (1836–1914) was a prominent antiquarian and collector in Victorian Cork and president of the city’s Historical and Archaeological Society. He was also a famous photographer.
Bonhams said his collection of antiquities was sold at Sotheby’s in London a century ago - on 19th May 1913. The bracelet was presumably found in the village of Rathcormac (without the ‘k’) which is located 20 miles north of Cork city. But its age and the precise location and circumstances of its discovery remain a mystery. It has gone to a European buyer.
- MP
