Fine Arts

Sword connected to Lawrence of Arabia leads charge at Fonsie Mealy sale

Auctioneer’s Chatsworth Summer Fine Art Sale of more than 1,300 lots includes a notable collection of weapons and military collectibles

Lot 844: An important and rare set of six19th-century mahogany hall chairs, with hand-painted coat of arms, estimate €3,000-€4,000

Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers of Castlecomer presents its Chatsworth Summer Fine Art Sale, a three-day, 1,350-plus lot auction, which begins on Tuesday, August 1.

This cracking sale includes an important collection of arms and militaria, a niche but fascinating collecting field. Two pieces which personify craftsmanship include Lot 321, a late 19th century naval officer’s sword, which was retailed by James Cracknell, Queen Street, Portsea, Hampshire.

The blade is beautifully engraved with a central royal motif, ...