Imagine unearthing hidden gems from history, like a gleaming vintage car or a majestic stuffed bear – auctions are bursting with treasures that could transport you back in time. But here's where it gets controversial: are these items being sold at prices that truly reflect their cultural value, or is there a risk of undervaluing local heritage for a quick profit? Stick around as we dive into the exciting world of upcoming auctions, where everyday objects turn into coveted collectibles, and you might just discover something that sparks your passion for the past.
Picture this: a striking turquoise roadster, exquisite rare jade artifacts, and a sturdy walnut chest-on-chest – that's just a taste of what's hitting the auction block. For beginners, a chest-on-chest is essentially a tall dresser with drawers stacked on top of each other, often used for storing fine linens or clothing in older homes, adding a touch of elegance to any room. The walnut chest-on-chest is up for grabs at Woodwards in Cork today (Saturday) with an estimated price range of €1,000 to €1,500. Pairing it nicely is a delicately carved walnut breakfast table, also available there with a similar valuation, perfect for creating a cozy nook in your dining area where family memories can be made over morning coffee.
Stealing the spotlight at the Lynes and Lynes auction in Carrigtwohill next Saturday (November 15) is a pristine 1914 Buick Tourer, a classic automobile that's sure to turn heads with its vintage charm. This sale draws from the contents of several Cork homes and two recently shuttered local businesses – Canty's Garage and The Cotton Ball pub – which means it's packed with items that could resonate deeply with anyone who knows the area. From taxidermied moose heads sporting impressive antlers (estimated at €100-€200) to a coveted bottle of Midleton Whiskey bottled by the old West Cork Bottling Company in Bandon (€200-€300), there's no shortage of intriguing pieces. Throw in a sizable vintage Murphy's Stout and Porter sign, the prestigious Cork Cup from 1925 – a trophy celebrating greyhound racing prowess – and you've got a collector's paradise waiting to be explored.
The lineup doesn't stop there; expect to find an array of jewelry, timepieces like antique clocks, reflective mirrors, classic Cork dining chairs, and other period furniture pieces. Illuminating the scene are selections of antique oil lamps, two grand five-branch Waterford Crystal chandeliers that could elevate any home's ambiance with their sparkling brilliance, a duo of Satsuma vases (those intricate Japanese porcelain wonders from the Meiji period, known for their vibrant enamels and detailed craftsmanship), and even a striking 1940 portrait of Cork entrepreneur and Sunbeam Wolsey founder William Dwyer (1887-1951), painted by artist Sean O'Sullivan. And this is the part most people miss – alongside the Buick, with its hefty €15,000-€20,000 estimate, there are some truly unique rarities, including two rare Lady Lavery £10 notes from 1972 featuring printing errors, valued at €3,000-€4,000. For those curious, these notes are from Northern Ireland and include mistakes that make them extremely scarce collectibles among numismatists.
Viewing for this auction runs from 10am to 5pm daily, kicking off today (November 8), giving you plenty of time to inspect these treasures up close. But here's where it gets controversial: auctioning off items from closed businesses like pubs and garages might feel like a way to preserve history, but could it also strip away the stories and community ties attached to them? Some might argue it's a necessary evolution, while others see it as commodifying sentiment – what side are you on?
Shifting gears to something even more exotic, the James Adam auction this Wednesday (November 12) in Dublin showcases fine Asian art, with estimates ranging from a modest €80 for an ashtray featuring a netsuke stag horn carving (a small, intricate Japanese toggle often used on traditional pouches) all the way up to €80,000 for a grand Buddhist temple painting known as a thangka. For newcomers, thangkas are sacred Tibetan scroll paintings that depict deities or scenes from Buddhist lore, often used in meditation practices and considered not just art but spiritual tools. Among the highlights are rare antique jades, such as a celadon tiger face from the Western Zhou dynasty around 1100-771 BC (€1,000-€1,200), alongside a wealth of porcelain, enamels, cloisonne wares (those metalwork pieces inlaid with colorful enamels for a dazzling effect), fans, paintings, furniture, carpets, bronze plaques, carved ornaments, ivory items, pendants, folding screens, and masks. With over 400 lots in total, it's a feast for the eyes and the imagination.
The auction opens with four intriguing figures of seated Buddhist lions from China's Yongzheng period circa 1725, estimated at just €200-€300 – a steal for something so historically rich. For beginners, the Yongzheng period was a golden era in Qing dynasty art, marked by refined craftsmanship and imperial patronage. This event has already been previewed in Paris, adding an international flair. You can catch weekend viewings at James Adam on St Stephen's Green, Dublin, from 1pm to 5pm today and tomorrow, and from 10am to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday.
Over in Cork, Woodwards presents a solid assortment of antique furniture, including a playful harlequin set of chairs (those colorfully patterned seats that could brighten up any gathering), a Victorian secretaire (a writing desk with hidden compartments, ideal for organizing letters and secrets), a Georgian inlaid cellarette (a small cabinet for storing wines and spirits, often with elegant marquetry designs), a French bonheur du jour (a petite writing table with drawers, symbolizing 'joy of the day' in old parlors), and a Victorian three-tier dumb waiter (a clever multi-level stand for serving food without running back and forth). Also noteworthy are 17 portraits of key figures from the 1916 Easter Rising, created by artist Rod Coyne, offering a visual glimpse into Ireland's revolutionary past. Other standout lots include a luxurious Kashan carpet (a Persian weave known for its intricate patterns and durability), a mounted Greenland goose (a taxidermy piece that could be a conversation starter in any home), and a substantial cast-iron garden seat (perfect for outdoor contemplation in your yard). All auction catalogs are available online for easy browsing.
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What do you think about all this? Is hunting for antiques at auctions a thrilling way to connect with history, or does it sometimes feel like profiting from the past at the expense of cultural sensitivity? Do you believe items from defunct businesses should be sold publicly, or kept as community relics? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear your take and see if we can spark a lively debate!
