Early 19th century Wexford ledger to go under hammer
AN historical item of Wexford interest will go under the hammer when Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers hold their annual Christmas Sale in the Gresham Hotel on Tuesday, December 13.
The sale comprises over 800 lots including a magnificent collection of rare books, literature, manuscripts, maps and works of art.
Lot number 332 is a ledger by early 19th century Wexford businessman Peter Keogh consisting of approximately 152 manuscript pages containing a series of problems in all branches of mathematics and their solutions with fine hand coloured decorations, drawings and illustrations.
Signed in various places by Peter Keogh with the date 1806, the lot has some damp stains and damage. It is described by Fonsie Mealy as ‘a most delightful and curious item.’ The guide price is between €350 and €450.
Other lots include an unpublished children’s book called ‘Growly Growly’ by the Irish novelist Edith Somerville whose books inspired the 1980’s television show ‘An Irish RM’; a first edition copy of Tom Sawyer Abroad by Mark Twain (1894); a first edition of The House at Pooh Corner by AA Milne (1928); an important collection of handwritten and typescript ballads composed by the famous author and singer Brendan Behan which is expected to fetch over €3,000; a rare 1922 Proclamation; a signed holograph manuscript copy of the Seamus Heany poem ‘ The Wishing Chair’ and a very rare copy of a Benjamin Franklin Impring, printed in 1744 in Philadelphia.
Initial viewing will take place on Thursday, December 8 at Chatsworth, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny with additional viewings at The Gresham Hotel, Dublin on Sunday, December 11 from 1pm – 6pm and Monday 12th September from 10.30 – 6pm. The sale will take place also in The Gresham on Tuesday 13th December, starting at 10.15am
For more information on the items up for auction, please visit www.fonsiemealy.ie