A pistol to stop you in your tracks

Des O’Sullivan says Mealy’s sale has 1,400 lots and will run over two days.

Around 80% of the 1,400 lots at Mealy’s two-day autumn sale in Castlecomer next Tuesday and Wednesday are to be offered without reserve.

Punters can take their chance on items as diverse as a c1795 Irish flintlock man stopper pistol, a c1710 Queen Anne walnut bureau, an Irish cottage interior by Edward Fitzpatrick, or a Cheval Blanc 1970 St Emilion grand cru classe.

This sale includes a private Irish collection of wine, port, champagne and whiskey.

There is much of interest to Cork collectors, including a rather damaged 1853 edition of The Industrial Movement in Ireland as illustrated by the National Exhibition of 1852 by John Francis Maguire (€30-60); Irish silver teaspoon by Cork makers John Toleken, Carden Terry and Jane Williams (€80-120); the official 1956 Hurling Final programme (Cork v Wexford) (€100-150); and a collection of pamphlets including Corks Own Town, by DL Kelleher-Talbot Press 1920; Austin Stack 1880-1922 pamphlet - Fodhla Dublin; The Hawk of the Hilltop by O’Donovan Rossa-Star printing works, Skibbereen and a Gaiety Theatre programme for The Ginger Man by JP Donleavy on October 26, 1959 with a cast that included Richard Harris.

Viewing is from noon to 5 pm tomorrow and from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday.