Forthcoming auctions
Aidan Foley Auctions, Doneraile, Galway and Sixmilebridge. The Old Sawmills, Clonbur Road, Cong, Co Mayo. Monday August 13th, 10am. No-reserve sale of eclectic and decorative furniture from the Red Carnation group, owners of Ashford Castle and other five-star hotels. To include armchairs, bedside tables, lamps, chandeliers, porcelain, mirrors, occasional tables, desks, handmade carpets, soft furnishings, garden furniture, footstools, framed prints and original paintings. Lot 820, framed letter from Napoleon Bonaparte to his son, 1806, €800-€1,400. Lots 710 and 723, ebonised and parcel-gilt decorated mid-century sofas attributed to Pierre Lottier, with Christie's label, €1,200-€1,800 each. Lot 490, pair of wrought-iron studio-cut girandole wall lights, €400-€600. Lot 803, Georgian mahogany brass-rail sideboard, possibly Cork, €600-€1,000. Lot 785, metal and glass ball ceiling light fitting, €150-€250. Lot 958, collection of 19th-century tapestry borders, €400-€600. Lot 691, pair of Irish Georgian-style mahogany library chairs, €400-€800. For online catalogue, viewing times and bidding details see irishcountryhouse.com.
Mullens Laurel Park, Woodbrook, Old Bray Road, Bray, Co Dublin. Classic and Contemporary Interior sale, Monday August 13th, 11am. More than 600 lots, to include furniture, paintings, rugs, desks, pianos; good selection of garden furniture and statuary, also a number of centre lights, hall lanterns and chandeliers. Lot 63, Regency rosewood library table, €1,800-€2,600. Lot 65, Edwardian mahogany Carlton House desk, €2,000-€3,000. Lot 195, gilt brass and cut-crystal nine-light chandelier, €1,000-€1,500. Lot 201, Irish mahogany long-case clock, €400-€600. Lot 266, 1960s'-style Sputnik centre light, €650-€750. Lot 341, pair of continental porcelain and gilt brass-mounted lidded urns, €650-€750. Lot 567, Victorian fern-back cast-iron garden seat on tapering legs, €1,000-€1,500. Lot 621, bronze two-tiered fountain, €1,600-€1,800. For online catalogue, viewing times and bidding details see mullenslaurelpark.com.
Of all the arcane objects to go under the hammer around the world over the next seven days, some of the most extraordinary are to be found at Heritage Auctions Nature and Science sale in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday August 18th. These include a set of five tourmaline crystals from Paprok in Afghanistan, each 3in-5in high, presented in sterling silver bases and estimated at $30,000-$50,000. The most expensive object in the sale is a 40-ounce gold nugget from Victoria, Australia. Nicknamed "Lightning Bolt" for its bright yellow glow, it carries a guide price of $70,000-$100,000. For more details see HA.com
Forthcoming fairs
Dromoland Castle Antiques Fair, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare. Sunday August 12th, 11am to 6pm. Admission €3.50, children free. More than 25 stands of antiques and collectibles.
Ninth Annual Cork City Book Fair, Saturday August 18th. Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork, 11am to 5pm, admission €2. Antiquarian books, coins and ephemera.
Militaria and Collectibles Fair, West County Hotel, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Saturday August 18th, 10am to 3pm, admission €4. Children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult. Medals, badges, uniforms, swords, daggers, postcards and more.
AVA Antique and Collectors Fair, Manor House Country Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Sunday August 19th, 11am to 6pm, admission £2, children free.
