‘Big House’ treasure trove in huge auction

MAPS of Ireland dating back as far as 1572, a rare George III stick barometer, antique jewellery and Regency furniture are just some of the items which will go under the hammer tomorrow, in what is being described as one of the most important auctions ever held in this country.

The treasure trove auction, entitled The Legacy of the Big House is to take place in Sheppard’s Irish Auction House, Durrow, Co Laois.

More than 1,000 items will be up for grabs and the auctioneers expect several telephone bids from around the world.

A magnificent collection of 31 early Irish maps, dating from the 16th century, will be on sale including works by cartographers such as Speede, Ortelius, Mercator and Petty.

Ortelius’s 1572 map of Ireland is the first instance of the island appearing on its own on a sheet. It also features the word Eyrn in the cartouche, the first time the word is used in print.

An exceptional mid-19th century Irish mahogany secretaire military campaign chest, by Ross of Dublin, is copiously furnished with brass fittings bearing the maker’s name.

Ross & Company was one of the British Empire’s most innovative campaign furniture makers for those going to war.

A rare George III stick barometer, circa 1820, by Richard Spear, College Green is also up for purchase.

The sale includes a number of outstanding lots by Gillows of Lancaster. They were England’s premier cabinetmakers.