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.