And the ivory piece won't be the only piece tickling bidders' fancy. Over 1,000 lots have been entered from the four corners of Ireland, including some very good house clearances, so its certainly an interesting and wide-ranging sale. With lots from 300 years old to the present day, and auction estimates from €20 to €3,000, there's appeal to all tastes and budgets, including a good selection of garden statuary. More information, and a fully illustrated catalogue, can be viewed on the auctioneer's website www.matthewsauctionrooms.com