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Ornate paneling from the Titanic\u2019s sister ship will be sold in a historic auction next month.<\/p>\nOrnate paneling from the Titanic\u2019s sister ship will be sold in a historic auction next month.<\/p>\n
Taken from two luxurious staterooms on the Britannic, the wooden overlay will take center stage at the two-day auction at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois, on May 1-2.<\/p>\n
Rediscovered after their use in a Dublin city centre cinema until 1972, the panelling from the first-class lounge and the second-class library are expected to sell for \u20ac200,000 each.<\/p>\n
Launched in 1914, two years after the ill-fated voyage of sister ship RMS Titanic, the HMHS Britannic was intended to be superior to her twin.<\/p>\n
The paneling was made for the Britannic and is identical to that fitted on her sister ships Titanic and Olympic (Victor Mee Auctions\/PA)
\nHowever, during the First World War, the ship was requisitioned as a hospital ship and saw the fittings removed.<\/p>\n
One year later, while on route to collect troops wounded in the Balkans campaign, the ship hit a mine laid by a German U-boat and sank in the Aegean Sea.<\/p>\n
The wreck lay at a depth of 400ft for 59 years until it was discovered by explorer Jacques Cousteau.<\/p>\n
The Britannic\u2019s stored luxurious furniture and fittings were auctioned in Belfast in 1919 and ornately carved wood paneling from both the first-class lounge and second-class library were used to adorn the La Scala Theatre and Opera House in Dublin, which later became the Capitol Cinema.<\/p>\n
They remained in place until the building\u2019s demolition in 1972, making way for what is now Penney\u2019s, and the paneling was installed in a private residence near Dublin.<\/p>\n
Manufactured by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, the paneling was carved to a design by Arthur Henry Durand which matches the fittings installed in the Titanic, and features the ship number and paneling number on the reverse of each piece.<\/p>\n
Durand also assisted in the design work on the Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n
This is the latest of the signature auctions from Niall Mullen, who held the biggest auction in the history of the state \u2013 the 14-hour disposal of the contents of the Central Bank.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese pieces are identical to the designs used on the Titanic, and cannot be replicated, either for their historical value or their ornate craftsmanship.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are a truly significant nautical find of world importance,\u201d said Mr Mullen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first-class lounge paneling, framed in richly carved polished oak in a Louis XV style, has a guiding price of \u20ac250,000 to \u20ac350,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe oak had been seasoned for at least 35 years before manufacture, dating it back at least to 1877.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second-class library is paneled and framed in maple, handsomely carved in a Colonial Adams-style design, measures 25 meters squared, and has a guiding price of \u20ac200,000 to \u20ac300,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe maple paneling is accompanied by a magnificent mahogany bar with copper embellishment.<\/p>\n
We have reconstructed the paneling from the second-class library in Killenard, with viewing from April 26-29, while we can arrange private viewings of the oak first-class lounge.<\/p>\n
The two-day auction also features collections from some of Dublin\u2019s most well-known hotels and entertainment venues.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaking center stage in the iconic stakes is the fanlight from the reception area at the Shelbourne Hotel,\u201d Mr Mullen added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have the original share register book from the Shelbourne as well as the documented records of the opening of the hotel\u2019s cocktail bar in 1944.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is also an amazing curiosity cabinet originally from Lissadell House.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will also be other items of marine and nautical interest, and spectacular garden furniture and sculpture.\u201d<\/p>\n
The auction will take place on May 1 and 2 at 11am.<\/p>\n
The auction catalogue will be available to view at victormeeauctions.ie<\/a> or titanicsisterauction2019.com<\/a>.<\/p>\nShare this:<\/h3>