Make a New Year's resolution to buy antique furniture 

There are rich pickings for those of us who love old furniture, writes Des O'Sullivan
Make a New Year's resolution to buy antique furniture 

This Georgian mahogany card table sold for 100 at Woodwards.

It has been a very good year in 2022 for the art and collectibles market in Ireland. Generally prices were strong and the auction houses had a busy time.

Yet it is abundantly clear that one particular New Year Resolution for 2023 — to buy antique furniture — would be highly rewarding. No matter what the future holds for us there is enormous value to be had right now.

In this furniture buyers' market a few examples from Cork city sales earlier this month — a situation repeated up and down the country — make the point. 

At Marshs a Victorian toilet mirror on barley twist uprights sold for €50 at hammer, a pair of Georgian brass firedogs made €30, an Irish Georgian side table on pad feet made €190, an Edwardian two-tier centre table made €45, a Victorian hall table on turned legs made €60 and an inlaid Edwardian centre table made €50. 

This Victorian toilet mirror sold for €50 at Marshs.
This Victorian toilet mirror sold for €50 at Marshs.

At Woodwards a pair of Edwardian wine tables made €20, a carved ships wheel with brass mounts made €90, a Georgian bureau bookcase made €130, an Edwardian Pembroke table made €25, a serpentine-fronted hall table with shaped drawer made €100 as did a Georgian mahogany card table, a circular Victorian occasional table made €40 and a Victorian two-tier sewing table made €70. 

This Georgian mahogany card table sold for €100 at Woodwards.
This Georgian mahogany card table sold for €100 at Woodwards.

Not everything was at a giveaway price and many other lots made more. 

Nevertheless there are rich pickings for those of us who love old furniture.

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