Admiral’s heroic deeds make waves across the centuries

A dramatic 19th-century sea rescue will be remembered at Fonsie Mealy’s summer sale, says Des O’Sullivan.

The dramatic 1885 rescue of the expeditionary force sent to relieve General Gordon of Khartoum made Admiral Charles Beresford, second son of the 4th Marquis of Waterford, a national hero. Albums, scrapbooks and material relating to the admiral come up at Fonsie Mealy’s summer sale in Castlecomer next Tuesday.

Beresford, who joined the navy aged 13, had a long and spectacular career. In 1882 as captain of the gunboat condor he sailed his ship inshore to bombard the gun batteries of Alexandria during the Egyptian campaign.

Three years later, in command of the Safie, he rescued the Khartoum Expeditionary Force. In 1916 he was awarded the title Baron Beresford of Metemmeh and Curraghmore and when he died in 1919 he was given a ceremonial funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Other materials relating to Beresford in the sale include a 1909 advertising poster for Michael Power of Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, grocer, tobacconist, wine importer and whiskey merchant, with an image of the admiral standing on deck with his dog.

One of a pair of paintings by George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson of Dutch sailing vessels on rough seas at Fonsie Mealy. (6,000-8,000).

The auction of 744 lots is brimful of interest. It includes maritime paintings relating to Admiral Beresford, items formerly housed at Tara Palace Museum of Childhood, dolls houses, a collection of Ronnie McDonnell miniature apprentice furniture pieces, Irish, English and European art, silver, porcelain, militaria and collectibles as well as a small selection of wines, port and whiskeys.

Among the collection of doll’s houses and toys is Portobello, an English c1700-1710 doll’s house fully furnished in the late 18th and early 19th-century style. There is an extensive selection of antique furniture.

Silver pieces include a set of late George III heavy candlesticks, Sheffield 1819, from the collection of Thomas Goold who was grandfather to Countess Markievicz. They are estimated at €2,500-€3,500.

There is Chinese and Japanese porcelain and this auction offers the Cork print of Mrs Elizabeth Aldworth, nee St Leger, the woman known as the Lady Freemason who featured on these pages last Saturday.

Viewing takes place in Castlecomer from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow and from 10am to 5pm on Monday. The catalogue is online at www.fonsiemealy.ie