How Caeser and Cleopatra's marble images arrived in Howth 

Statuary from Drumleck House, Orpen portrait, mirror and Belleek carnation among highlights of Sheppard's sale 

A pair of 18th-century or earlier marble busts of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra at Sheppards.

A collection of 17th and 18th-century marble busts are among part-contents from Drumleck House, Howth — home of notable collectors John and Gertrude Hunt — at the Sheppard's Dublin and Provincial sale in Durrow, Co Laois, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. (December 5, 6 and 7). The Hunts lived at Drumleck for over 30 years from the 1950s. Most of their collection was donated to the State and is now at the Hunt Museum in Limerick.

Weathered outdoor busts of Julius Caesar wearing laurel leaves and Cleopatra with an asp, from the garden at Drumleck, are among the highlights. They are estimated at €2,000-€3,000.