Joseph Johns’ rarity has Fonsie Mealy up for the cup

The Chatsworth Spring Fine Art sale on Wednesday is full of glorious rarities, writes Des O’Sullivan.       

A two-handled Limerick silver cup by Joseph Johns is among the rarities at Fonsie Mealy’s Chatsworth Spring Fine Art sale in Castlecomer next Wednesday. Made around 1770, the heavily embossed cup is estimated at €4,500-€6,500.

Other rarities include a set of George II forks which belonged to Dean Swift (1667-1745). Each ivory handle is engraved “J.S.” and with Jonathan Swift’s coat of arms. They are estimated at €2,000-€3,000.

There should be Cork interest in a George IV Irish figured mahogany secretaire. Made in Cork c1840, it is from Blenheim House in Waterford and is estimated at €3,500-€5,000. More than 700 lots from various clients and executors will come under the hammer.

Among them are the executors of the late Mrs Jane Avril de Montmorency Wright of Burnchurch House and Castle Morres, Co Kilkenny, and the Newport family, descendants of Sir John Newport of New Park, Co Waterford, formerly chancellor of the Irish exchequer.

The sale includes silver and plate ware, miniatures, Oriental ware, art, furniture, glass, lighting, and collectibles including a stained glass panel from Kildimo Church in Limerick from the Harry Clarke Studio.

Viewing at the Old Cinema, Chatsworth St, Castlecomer, is from noon to 5pm tomorrow and from 10.30am to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday.