Antiques: Villa gates from Tuscany, a Shell petrol pump globe and Irish fireplaces
A pair of large Italian Tuscany villa gates at Victor Mee.
A fine pair of large forged iron gates from a villa in Tuscany might set the scene nicely now that climate change is upon us. This decorated and atmospheric pair, complete with two side pedestrian entrance gates and scroll-design side pillars, is at Victor Mee's online summer garden sale on Wednesday (July 15) with an estimate of €6,000-€8,000.
An original red telephone box, an 18th-century industrial cast-iron cider press, 21 square metres of Bert and May reclaimed floor tiles in a geometric art deco pattern of predominantly greys, and an early 19th-century metal three-legged pot are among the collectibles at this sale of 733 lots.
A large bronze Buddha, sandstone troughs, fountains, granite seats, bronze fighting hares, sculpture, stone walls, seated stone lions, urns, gazebos, planters, spheres and staddle stones will come under the hammer.
The market for collectibles is strong in Ireland and internationally. The late billionaire Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, collected all sorts of objects with wealthy discrimination. His collection made more than $100 million over five sales at Christie's this year, the largest sale total in history for memorabilia.
At the last of those sales last week, the foundation document for Alcoholics Anonymous made $2.39 million (€2.09 million) with proceeds going to charitable causes. He had amazing stuff, like a signed letter from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, which made $2.7m (€2.36m) and a pair of used dress circle theatre tickets for the night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, which made $330,000 (€289,000).
In Ireland, the market for collectible memorabilia has grown significantly. Everything from old road signs to enamel cigarette advertising panels to petrol pumps and vintage toys is featured at auction up and down the country. Uniqueness and rarity add value, but many items can be picked up for a song.
Pints to Pistons is the title of Aidan Foley's online evening sales in Doneraile on Monday and Tuesday (July 13 and 14). There is a strong focus on pub and motor trade memorabilia with a big selection of enamel signs, oil stands, original petrol pump globes, advertising signs, mirrors and prints. All are highly reflective of an Ireland that was up to quite recently and now is no more.
Without any doubt, there will be much interest in lots like an original enamel Paddy Whiskey advertising sign in a wooden frame, a Shell fibreglass petrol pump globe, a Michelin Man ashtray, a Player's Please jug, a Duckham's metal forecourt oil display stand and an Esso Extra two-litre can. Once ubiquitous items like these have all but disappeared from life in Ireland.
With signs for everything from Agfa Photos and Robin Starch to Capstan cigarettes, St Bruno Flake and Churchman's Noted Counter Shag, there is plenty here to reminisce about and encourage a trip down memory lane. Catalogues for all sales are online.
Aidan Foley will hold a retirement sale for James O'Driscoll of Noble Fireplaces, Pouladuff, Cork, on July 27. On offer is the entire stock of the business built up by Mr O'Driscoll over many years, which has served clients nationally and internationally.
More than 250 slate, marble and cast-iron fireplaces, longcase clocks, mirrors and architectural salvage and around 20 pallets of hotel furniture from the old Jurys Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, will be sold as one lot. Offers in the region of €45,000 are sought, with viewing by appointment in the meantime.
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