A fascinating collection of odd lots captures the spirit of the age

MULLENS of Oldcastle has an intriguing selection of antiques and memorabilia in their evening auction next Tuesday

MULLENS of Oldcastle has an intriguing selection of antiques and memorabilia in their evening auction next Tuesday. What price a stone age axe head, a 19th century Egyptian nomad's hammock, a Georgian half bushel measure, or a wild goose in a case?

The catalogue doesn't carry estimates but there is plenty here for the collector with £100 or £200 to spend. A rare bottle of Dunville 3: Crown Whisky from the Belfast distillery should make up to £150, according to Michael Mullen. A Daniel O'Connell spirit flask may fetch £150-£200 and a selection of Staffordshire pictorial mugs are expected to sell for £50-£80 each. A 1930s Fianna Fail election poster, showing de Valera behind the wheel of a snazzy racing car, could make anything over.