Freedom Box gem to glisten at antique fair

Rare treasures, writes Des O’Sullivan, will feature at Limerick Fine Art Fair

‘Kilkee on a wild day’ is the title of this oil on canvas by the Limerick artist Henry Morgan. It is on offer at Dolan’s Irish art auction at Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick on Mar 25 and is estimated at €300-400.

AGeorge III Gold Cork Freedom Box is one of many treasures at the two day National Antiques and Fine Art Fair at the South Court Hotel in Limerick tomorrow and Monday.

The fair will feature antique furniture, art, jewellery, silver, lighting, porcelain, coins, watches, books and vintage items.

There will be 70 dealers in attendance from all around Ireland and Northern Ireland, including 15 members of the Irish Antique Dealers Association.

The rarity of the Cork gold Freedom Box at Weldons stand is reflected in an asking price of €50,000. Made by Cork silversmiths Carden Terry and Jane Williams circa 1795, it was presented to William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1794-1795. The oval box is designed with chased foliage and bright-cut borders and the cover is engraved with the Arms of the City of Cork.

Though it is just over three inches wide and weighs just five ounces the base is engraved: ‘The Freedom of the Corporation of The City of Cork presented in this Box. To his Excellency Earle Fitzwilliam. Lord Lieut.. Genl.. & Genl.. Governor of Ireland this 24th.. day of January. 1795. John Thompson Mayor David Perrier Heny.. Bagnel Sheriffs’.

This is the largest fair so far by Robin O’Donnell of Hibernian Antique Fairs, who has organised Sunday fairs around Ireland on a regular basis for the past 22 years. The fair runs from 11am to 6pm tomorrow and again on Monday.