Antiques: Let's talk about the elephant in the room in Cork

Des O'Sullivan's focus is on a spectacular scene-stealer at Marshs in Cork

A taxidermy elephant, left, and right, one of pair of marble-topped gilt console tables, at Marshs, Cork.

Auctions regularly throw surprises but a stuffed elephant is a real rarity. The focus of Marshs in Cork next Saturday (December 7) is on fine antique furniture and collectibles but a 127-centimetre high taxidermy elephant is set to be a spectacular scene-stealer in the premier larceny league of the late, great actress Maggie Smith.

If you can tear your attention away from Dumbo you might be taken by a pair of marble-topped gilt console tables, a Georgian Adam-style mirror or a Georgian lowboy in the Chippendale style on paw feet. 

A pair of marble-topped gilt console tables at Marshs.

The auction features a selection of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture, art and collectibles including the elephant. The sale will be on view at Marshs auction rooms on December 4, 5 and 6 from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm each day.