THE auctioneer who sold a Limerick Soviet five shilling note to a local trade unions group says he is “delighted” they were able to buy the historical item.
And the Limerick Post can reveal that not only did Darren Parish and the Limerick Auction Rooms wish the union group well – they also contributed €100 to the bidding fund and contacted the prominent antique dealer who pledged €800 towards the bid.
“They were gentlemen, every one and I’m really delighted they were able to buy the note,” Darren told the Limerick Post.
The Limerick Council of Trade Unions had earlier staged a protest at the auction, as they had wanted the seller to withdraw the note from auction as it is a rare and important piece of trade union history.
The note came into the group’s ownership after two telephone bidders withdrew at €900. There was one bid in the auction against them “but there was a big round of applause when their bid was successful. We couldn’t have been more pleased,” said Darren.
The auctioneer said he “understands completely” why the unions felt the need to protest and invited them in for tea afterwards.
“The Soviet note was auctioned for €1,400 but the question is, what else is out there? The woman who found this thought it was a piece of rubbish and was going to throw it in the bin.
“Limerick silver, for instance, is worth a fortune. A teaspoon with the Dublin stamp on it might go for €30 or €40 but if the spoon has a Limerick stamp it could fetch €700. We recently sold a small bowl, about the size you would give a child corn flakes in, for €18,000”.
Darren said that Limerick Auction Rooms will give a free valuation for any items people find.
