Linen press has strong links to the Custom House

Later this month at the RDS in Dublin, HOK Fine Art is to hold its now-customary winter auction featuring an item which appears to have a direct link with one of James Gandon's buildings in the capital.

The late 18th century linen press shown here is somewhat different from its customary norm in a number of ways. The most obvious is that the item has been made from satinwood rather than a more usual mundane material such as pine or oak.

Furthermore, as can be seen, the pair of doors are inlaid and the tapering legs are each marked by raised banding, a common feature of Irish neo-classical furniture and often found on that made by Dublin craftsman William Moore.

However, the reason for the high quality of this work can be found on its back which is branded with the words "New Custom House". This clearly refers to the building designed by Gandon and completed on Dublin's north quays in 1791.

It may even be possible that the press was intended for the private apartments created in the Custom House for the man behind the whole scheme, the Hon John Beresford.

One of almost 500 lots in the November 27th sale which also features silver, glass and paintings, the linen press is expected to make £3,000-£5,000.