Silver surfers likely for antique collection

High-quality 19 century oil paintings star in this auction in West Cork.

With everything from a 19th century set of three high-quality oils of the Cries of London after Francis Wheatley to a silver nutmeg grater from 1690, the collection of the late Peter Mosely of Union Hall will attract discriminating auction-goers to Hegarty’s sale in Bandon on Sunday week (July 20). Mr Mosely was an antique silver dealer and farmer who lived at Listarkin House at Union Hall.

His collection of 18th and 19th century silver, paintings, and furniture will make an interesting country house contents sale. Paintings include three fine Cries of London oils and a 19th century Tavern Scene, artist unknown. More than 150 lots of silver include miniature pieces, 18th century candlesticks, a 72-piece canteen, an 18th century coffee pot, and a 1690 nutmeg grater. There is a 20-piece Royal Worcester dinner service from 1916 all signed by James Stinton, and ivory, porcelain, and glass collectibles.

Antique furniture on offer includes a Killarney davenport (€8,000-€10,000), a Regency Irish adjustable dumbwaiter (€3,000-€5,000), a writing table almost certainly made by Gillows, a pair of serpentine cabinets, and side tables. Viewing gets under way on Wednesday (July 20). Viewing times are from noon to 6pm each day and from noon to 4pm when the sale starts on Sunday week.

nMeanwhile, around 1,000 lots from luxury hotel Ashford Castle will be offered for sale by Doneraile-based auctioneer Aidan Foley in the grounds of the castle on July 23. The new owners of Ashford, the South African-led Red Carnation Group of boutique hotels, are involved in a major refurbishment. The no-reserve auction will feature antique furniture, garden furniture, soft furnishings, mirrors, chairs, stainless steel kitchen work tables, and sanitary ware removed from the castle during the refurbishment.

Ashford was sold last year for €20m. It was voted best resort in Ireland and third-best hotel in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller in 2012. It was profitable even while in receivership. Viewing for the auction is on Tuesday, July 22. The sale is the following day at 10.30am.