It was also one of the quirkiest entries at HOK Fine Art's (18% inc. VAT buyer's premium) June 17 sale and was entered together with a crested shoulder piece and a pair of pistol satchels, all of which were backed in contemporary coarse striped linen.
Tighe family tradition had it that the set was made for William Tighe to use in the annual Lord Mayor's procession.Tighe (1710-1766) was very much a figure of the Dublin Establishment being Keeper of The Records and Keeper of Phoenix Park, the great public park which has featured strongly in Dublin's turbulent history and is now home to both Dublin Zoo and the Irish president's official residence.
Previously displayed in the hall at Rossana in Co.Wicklow, the blanket and satchels had come to the vendor by descent through the Tighe family.
With good bright colour and, given its use, in excellent original condition, the lot fetched €6000 (£4195).
History in a €6000 horse blanket
THIS 18th century embroidered and appliqué yellow felt horse blanket, right, emblazoned with the arms of the Tighe family and their motto Summum Nec Metuam Diem Nec Optem (Let me neither fear nor wish for the last day), was an evocative reminder of 18th century Dublin pageantry.