Railway Memorabilia Auction: A Collector’s Guide
- The enduring interest with railways of a bygone era continues, and a remarkable prospect for collectors arises with the single-owner collection of Lord O'Neill of Shane's Castle, Co...
- This auction presents a diverse range of items, appealing to both seasoned railwayana enthusiasts and those new to the hobby. The collection encompasses train nameplates, headboards, railway hotel...
- Among the standout pieces is an unusually large-scale model of a steam traction engine, the "Maid of Erin," which is expected to attract significant specialist interest.
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Lord O’Neill Railway Collection Auction at Mullen’s
Table of Contents
The Collection: A Legacy of Railway Passion
The enduring interest with railways of a bygone era continues, and a remarkable prospect for collectors arises with the single-owner collection of Lord O’Neill of Shane’s Castle, Co Antrim. Lord O’Neill, former President of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and stepson of Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond), is offering his extensive railwayana collection at Mullen’s of Laurel Park in Bray next Monday, November 10th.
This auction presents a diverse range of items, appealing to both seasoned railwayana enthusiasts and those new to the hobby. The collection encompasses train nameplates, headboards, railway hotel memorabilia, original enamel advertisements, and commissioned paintings of locomotives and travel posters. Notably, it includes highly collectible designs by the renowned Irish artist paul Henry.
Key Items & Highlights
Among the standout pieces is an unusually large-scale model of a steam traction engine, the “Maid of Erin,” which is expected to attract significant specialist interest. A comprehensive selection of model trains and othre transport-related items further enhances the auction’s appeal.
Rare Books & Maps
Lord O’Neill’s passion extended beyond physical artifacts to include a ample railway and transport library.This collection features rare and unusual books, maps, and pamphlets. A notably noteworthy item is Richard Griffiths’ c1855 map of Ireland, created to accompany the report of the Railway Commissioners, complete with hand-colored plates. This map provides a fascinating glimpse into the early progress of Ireland’s railway network.
Auction Details & Viewing
The live auction, with the convenience of online bidding, commences next Monday at 11:00 AM.The full catalogue is available online for prospective bidders to review. Interested parties are also welcome to view the sale in person at Mullen’s this weekend, providing an opportunity to inspect the items firsthand.
Railway Development in Ireland: A Brief Timeline
| Period | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| 1830s-1840s | Early railway construction begins, primarily focused on connecting major cities. |
| 1850s-1870s | Rapid expansion of the railway network,driven by investment and industrial growth. |
| 1880s-1920s | Consolidation of railway companies and increasing competition from road transport. |
| 1920s-1950s |
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