Chandelier to go under hammer at auction
A chandelier that reputedly once belonged to a great niece of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is set to go under the hammer at an auction next month.
It is just one of the lots consigned to the next country house auction being held at Halls’ purpose-built Shrewsbury salerooms on July 19.
The 19th century French ormolu and cut glass Louis XVI style 12 branch chandelier was reputedly originally owned by Princess Caroline Murat, the great niece of French military and political leader Napoleon Boneparte.
She was the granddaughter of Joachim Murat, King of Naples and lived and died at Radisham Hall, Suffolk after marrying John Lewis Garden, a big game hunter.
Belonging to a Shropshire vendor, the chandelier is described by Andrew Beeston, Halls’ senior auctioneer and valuer, as a “good interior designer piece” and is valued at around £3,000.
A late 18th or early 19th century desk box, which was owned by Henry Francis Lyte, best known for his hymn Abide with Me, is valued at around £400.
As well as Abide with me, he also composed the popular hymn Praise my soul, the King of Heaven.
Also included in the auction is a collection of 18th and 19th century fire marks valued at around £1,000.
The collection, which will be sold in 14 lots, was assembled by the grandfather of the vendor and six of the 22 fire marks are lead examples, which are sought after by collectors.
Of particular interest to oak collectors will be a George III British oak grain ark, which was originally used for bread making and is valued at around £1,000.
“Most of the grain arks that we see are continental and it’s the first time that I have seen one of this style that is British,” said Mr Beeston. “It’s a lovely colour which, added to its rarity, is going to appeal to oak collectors.”
Other entries include an early 18th century walnut cabinet from a South Shropshire country house, which is expected to sell for around £3,000 and a Himalayan sheep’s head dated 1907, which carries a £300 estimate.
A pair of rather macabre 19th century carved and ivory seated skeletons seated on coffins, described a memento mori, is expected to appeal to collectors and could fetch £500.
Items are still being accepted for the auction. For more information call Halls on 01743 450700.
