Flushed with money? What about marquetry commode?

Des O’Sullivan on some unusual lots at Sheppards three day sale in Durrow next week.

A PAIR of marquetry commodes by the Czech-born, French-based cabinet maker Francois Linke, who had a shop at Place Vendome in Paris prior to World War 11, is one of a number of highly collectible lots at Sheppards three day sale in Durrow next week.

Linke received the Gold Medal for his Grand Bureau at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900 and his work is much sought after. The commodes are estimated at up to €180,000. Around 1950 lots of period furniture, fine art, decorative art and Asian art will come under the hammer.

The sale kicks off on Tuesday (April 29) at 10.30 am with a good selection of antique outdoor stone and cast iron pieces.

There is much for collectors to explore. Art lots include a Chestnut in a Stable by Samuel Spode and a polychrome wood panel of Christ in Majesty and this auction offers everything from a pair of Irish 18th century blunderbusses to a stuffed crocodile. Viewing in Co Laois is from 10am to 6pm today, tomorrow and Monday and the sales get underway each day at 10.30 next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.