Antiques: Correspondence of Michael Collins for auction

Des O'Sullivan previews items under the hammer at Lynes and Lynes and Woodwards

Mid 19th-century Irish dining table and 12 Cork chairs at Lynes and Lynes.

Artworks from the estate of Brian Looney, former editor of the Irish Examiner, are included in the Lynes and Lynes sale in Carrigtwohill next Saturday (May 24). The auction offers boardroom furniture from the Dulux factory in Cork, established in 1885 by the Harrington family. Lot 228 is a folder with correspondence between Michael Collins, then Minister for Finance, and Genoa-based Donal Hales, Irish consul for Italy from 1919 and brother of assassinated Cork TD Sean Hales.

Artworks include Meeting of the Currachs by Ciaran Clear and a signed lithograph by the American artist Frank Stella. A mid-19th-century dining table is estimated at €4,000-€6,000 and a set of 12 Cork 11-bar chairs at €3,500-€4,500. There is jewellery including a platinum and diamond three stone ring, a 1950s penny-farthing bicycle and a church bell made by James Atkins, Cork, c1810 believed to be from St. Mary's Church in Cobh.