Matthews hosting the first sale of the year

WELL-KNOWN Auctioneers Matthews of Kells conduct their first auction of the year this Saturday and Sunday, 15th & 16th February at 2pm each day. With over 1,00 lots it’s an interesting sale with a good number of attractive highlights. “The best one we’ve had in a while, and definitely worth viewing”, says the auctioneer Damien Matthews. On offer will be various house clearances including the contents of recently sold Piercetown House, Dunboyne.

An important lot to be sold is a very rare piece of early 20th Century Irish silver to be offered on the second day of the sale. With an estimate of €1,500 - €2,500 it should attract interest given its importance. Described as a mether, it’s a uniquely Irish drinking cup, a communal vessel of friendship. Dated 1908, it was created by renowned Dublin silversmiths. Hopkins & Hopkins of Dublin, the same craftsmen who made the Sam Maguire Cup. Measuring 11 inches high, an impressive scale for the form, it predates the Art Deco Movement. The auctioneer Damien Matthews describes it as “a spectacular piece of early Irish modernist design”. The auction estimate is €1,500 to €2,500

Also in the auction is a fine Edwardian Ladies diamond & emerald ring presented in its original box. Set on a fine platinum band it possesses a classical look much in vogue. The auctioneer guides on this lot €2,000 to €3,000.

The catalogue can be viewed online on the auctioneer’s website, www.matthewsauctionrooms.com and the sale itself will be on public view in the Duke Brothers Building, Kells from Thursday 13th February, 11am onwards.