Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers

About Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers

Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers is a family-run auction house in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. It is best known for rare books and manuscripts. It also sells fine art, paintings, furniture, silver, sporting memorabilia, Irish historical items and maps.

The firm sells from Chatsworth Auction Rooms, a former cinema in Castlecomer. It also holds auctions at venues in Dublin and at country houses around Ireland. It is licensed by the Property Services Regulatory Authority under licence number 001687.

History

The Mealy family set up the business in Castlecomer in 1934. Fonsie Mealy joined in the late 1960s and added a Rare Book Department, which became one of the firm's defining specialties. His son George Fonsie Mealy joined the business in 2004.

Fonsie Mealy, the firm's director, says the aim is to offer both a professional service and a service with a personal touch. The firm says its team has more than 60 years' combined experience. The business is still run by the same family in the same town where it started.

• 1934: The family business is set up in Castlecomer
• Late 1960s: Fonsie Mealy joins and starts the Rare Book Department
• 2004: George Fonsie Mealy joins the firm

What Fonsie Mealy sells

The firm's main categories are:

• Rare books, manuscripts and maps
• Fine art and paintings
• Furniture
• Silver
• Sporting memorabilia
• Irish historical artefacts

Selling at Fonsie Mealy

Fonsie Mealy handles consignments for its Castlecomer, Dublin and country house sales. The seller's commission is not published in the firm's online terms. It is agreed for each consignment, so contact the office in Castlecomer to discuss a sale.

Buying and bidding

Buyers pay the hammer price plus auction fees of 25%, VAT included. There are extra charges for some ways of bidding and paying:

• Online bidding: surcharges of up to 5% apply to lots bought online
• Cards issued outside the EU: a 3% surcharge applies
• Overseas cards, including UK cards: payments may take up to ten working days to clear before lots are released

The firm accepts cash, guaranteed cheques, debit cards and credit cards, but not third-party cheques. Gold, silver and jewellery lots must be paid by bank transfer or secure card payment. Card payments by phone or email are not accepted for these lots. Lots estimated under €500 are sold as seen, with all faults, and no condition reports are given for them.

As an example, a lot knocked down for €1,000 costs €1,250 with the 25% auction fees, as VAT is already included. If you win it through an online platform, a surcharge of up to 5% can be added on top. Check the platform and the catalogue terms for the exact figure before you bid.

Location and viewing

The saleroom is at The Old Cinema, Chatsworth Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Eircode R95 XV05. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30, and closed at weekends. The phone number is +353 (0)56 4441229. Some sales are held in Dublin or at country houses, so check the catalogue for each auction's venue and viewing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at Fonsie Mealy?

Buyers pay auction fees of 25% of the hammer price, VAT included. A surcharge of up to 5% can apply to lots bought online.

What is Fonsie Mealy known for?

The firm is best known for rare books, manuscripts and Irish historical items, and has had a Rare Book Department since the late 1960s. It also sells fine art, furniture, silver and sporting memorabilia.

Where does Fonsie Mealy hold auctions?

Most sales are held at Chatsworth Auction Rooms, the old cinema on Chatsworth Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. The firm also holds auctions at venues in Dublin and at country houses around Ireland.