However, his family held onto a few of the more notable pieces including this early 18th century Irish mahogany side table, c.1740, 2ft 8in high by 4ft 8in wide (81cm x 1.42m) which appeared at the Blackrock auctioneers Hamilton Osborne King on June 6.
Consigned from Dr Cremins’ daughter’s house in Cork, the table was “robust and strong looking which was needed for its heavy use”, but also boasted delicate carving to the prominent lion mask, pierced oak swags and shell suspending ribbon swags to the sides.
Two Irish private buyers, an Irish trader and a New York dealer were bidding on the piece, estimated at IR£30,000-50,000, but it was the latter (much to the frustration of one of the private bidders who later contemplated that he should have gone further) who took the final price to IR£250,000 (£203,250).
Early 18th century Irish mahogany side table
Back in 1948 a Dublin auctioneer sold the contents of a local property belonging to one Dr Cremins, which included a number of antiques purchased in the early years of the 20th century.
