A rare and exquisite bird book, one of only 60 first editions ever printed, is set too be the star attraction at Fonsie Mealy’s upcoming two-day rare book and collectors auction.The auction, taking place next week, features “The Birds of Great Britain, With their Eggs” by William Lewin, a landmark work in ornithology.
This extraordinary seven-volume set, complete with 323 original watercolor illustrations of birds and eggs, is estimated to fetch between €17,500 and €25,000. The illustrations, rendered in gouache and heightened with gum Arabic, showcase Lewin’s meticulous artistry and scientific precision.
Among the auction’s more unusual offerings is a cast of the shrine for the Bell of St. Patrick, dating back to around 1885. The original shrine, believed to have housed a bell once owned by the patron saint of Ireland, dates to the 12th century and is currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland. A similar cast resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
This remarkable piece, estimated at €6,000-€8,000, is a testament to the 19th-century movement to create replicas of important artifacts for wider dissemination of knowledge. The South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum) spearheaded this initiative,leading to the creation of numerous copies for museums and institutions across Europe.
The auction also offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past with two manuscript books detailing the poor rate in Fermoy, County Cork, from 1847 and 1859. These documents provide a poignant record of the town’s experience during the Great Famine, a period of immense hardship and suffering.
“It will have to be said that, had the Fermoy Poor Law Union not possessed the board it did, than it would have joined the ranks of Skibbereen and Bantry. Fermoy escaped by the skin of its teeth,” wrote historian Edward garner in his 1986 book about the famine in North East Cork.
The 1847 book, signed by key officials including William Cooke-Collis, chairman of the board of guardians, and Roderick O’Flanagan, clerk of the union, is estimated at €600-€800.
Literary enthusiasts will be drawn to a 1939 copy of James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake,” signed by the author himself,estimated at €3,000-€4,000. A signed copy of Seamus Heaney’s “Eleven Poems” is also expected to attract notable interest, with an estimated value of €2,500-€3,500.
Another notable item is the Westport House copy of the 1789 first edition of “Surveys of the Harbours” by William O’Brien Drury,wich includes detailed accounts of important Irish harbors such as Blacksod,valentia,Bear Haven,Cork,and waterford. This rare maritime text is estimated at €3,000-€4,000.
Rounding out the auction’s diverse offerings is a pair of handcuffs said to have belonged to a notorious Irish outlaw, adding a touch of intrigue and ancient mystery to the collection.
History buffs and collectors alike are in for a treat as a fascinating array of Irish artifacts goes up for auction in Castlecomer, Ireland. The auction, hosted by Kilkenny Auction Rooms, boasts a diverse collection spanning centuries and encompassing everything from historical relics to literary treasures.
Among the standout items is a set of heavy steel handcuffs purportedly used by Michael Collins, a pivotal figure in ireland’s fight for independence.These handcuffs, estimated to fetch between €1,000 and €1,500, offer a tangible link to a defining era in Irish history. “A pair of handcuffs said to have been used by Michael Collins,” reads the accompanying description.
For those interested in Irish fashion history, a lady’s Blueshirt uniform, estimated at €2,000 to €3,000, provides a glimpse into the sartorial style of a significant political movement.Sports enthusiasts will be drawn to a gold 1904 All Ireland hurling championship medal won by the Tullaroan team from Kilkenny, expected to sell for between €4,000 and €6,000.
The auction also features a treasure trove for bibliophiles. A comprehensive Irish library of fishing books, a private collection of illustrated and hand-coloured volumes, and the library of Nelson Bell of The Bell Gallery in Belfast are all up for grabs. Adding to the literary allure is part one of the Dr. Phillip Murray collection of works by renowned Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
The auction will be open for viewing in Castlecomer from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday and Tuesday. The bidding will commence on Wednesday at 10:30 am with lots 1-622, followed by lots 623 to 1191 on Thursday, also starting at 10:30 am.the full catalogue is available online for those eager to peruse the offerings.
## A Collector’s Paradise: Exploring the Treasures of Fonsie Mealy’s Upcoming Auction
**World Today News:**
We’re joined now by **[Expert Name]**, a renowned collector and expert in rare books and manuscripts. Welcome, **[Expert Name]**, and thank you for joining us today.
**[expert Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**World Today News:**
Fonsie Mealy’s upcoming auction boasts an impressive collection of rare books and collectibles. One piece that promptly caught our eye is the first edition, seven-volume set of “The Birds of Great Britain, With Their Eggs” by William Lewin. What makes this book so extraordinary?
**[Expert name]:** This is truly a remarkable find for any ornithology enthusiast or rare book collector. Not only is it a first edition, one of only sixty ever printed, but it also features 323 exquisite watercolor illustrations of birds and their eggs, painstakingly rendered by Lewin himself. The detail and scientific precision captured in these illustrations are simply stunning and represent a landmark achievement in the field.
**World Today News:**
The estimated value of this set is between €17,500 and €25,000.is this price tag justified given its rarity and historical significance?
**[Expert Name]:** Absolutely. Considering its historical significance, rarity, and the exceptional quality of the illustrations, this price is highly justifiable. First editions of such renowned works rarely come up for auction, and this set, with its impeccable condition, is likely to attract notable interest from collectors worldwide.
**World Today News:**
The auction also features a cast of the shrine for the Bell of St. Patrick.Can you tell us more about this intriguing piece and its significance?
**[Expert Name]:** This cast, dating back to the 19th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the movement to create replicas of crucial artifacts for broader dissemination of knowledge. The original shrine, believed to have housed a bell owned by St. Patrick, is housed in the National Museum of Ireland. This cast,similar to one in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art,allows people who might not have access to the original to appreciate its beauty and historical significance.
**World Today News:**
This auction also seems to offer a unique window into Ireland’s past with two manuscript books detailing the poor rate in Fermoy during the Great Famine.
**[Expert Name]:** indeed. These documents are invaluable primary sources that shed light on the harrowing realities faced by the people of Fermoy during a time of immense hardship. They offer a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the Great Famine and provide invaluable insight into the efforts made to alleviate suffering during that period.
**World Today News:**
For literary enthusiasts, there are signed copies of works by Irish literary giants like James Joyce and Seamus Heaney. What’s the appeal of owning a signed copy of a beloved work?
**[Expert Name]:** A signed copy adds a personal touch and a sense of connection to the author and the work itself.It becomes more than just a book; it’s a tangible piece of literary history. For collectors and devoted readers, owning a signed copy is a treasured possession.
**World Today News:**
Fonsie Mealy’s auction promises a captivating array of treasures for collectors of all kinds. Thank you, **[Expert Name]**, for sharing your expertise and insights with us today.
**[Expert Name]:** the pleasure was all mine.
**World Today News:** And to our viewers, we encourage you to tune in to the auction next week and explore the fascinating world of rare books and collectibles.
