Milford House content auction will see antlers from the world’s oldest deer put up for sale

A number of fascinating and hugely important pieces are up for auction when Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, Castlecomer, hosts Milford House’s very first content sale, Carlow at the Talbot Hotel, Carlow on November 20.

Heirlooms belonging to the Alexander family acquired over the centuries will fall under the hammer.

The highlight of the taxidermy collection is a significant set of prehistoric giant Irish elk antlers and skulls, dating from 12,000 to 8,000 BC and measuring around 2.26 meters in length.

The Irish elk is the largest deer known to have ever lived and first appeared around 400,000 years ago and died out around 11,000 years ago. It has a pre-sale estimate of € 15,000 to € 20,000.

The lobby contains a top quality Irish library from the Chippendale period, which is expected to fetch between € 7,000 and € 9,000.

There are over 100 pieces of family silver at auction, including many crested pieces.

An important 19th century engraved presentation trowel bearing the inscription “Presented by the Dean and Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin to Messrs. Murphy & Son, in recognition of the skill and loyalty with which they have continued the restoration of the cathedral thanks to the munificence of Benjamin Lee Guinness Esquire 1865 “, hallmarked, in its original case (1,500 € – 2,000 €). A spear belonging to the last king of the Zulus is valued at € 1,500.

Commenting on the auction, George Fonsie Mealy, Director of Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, said: “It is a privilege to participate in such a prestigious content sale which is coming to the market for the first time, and in the last Alexander Family and Milford House chapter in Carlow’s story. “

The viewing will take place on Sunday November 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday November 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The auction will take place at the Talbot Hotel, Portlaoise Road, Carlow on Tuesday November 20 at 10:30 am.