It’s estimated to collect between €500-800 but we can see that figure, ahem, ‘rising’.
An eight and a half inch penis carved from ivory is expected to be one of the most popular items up for bidding at an auction in Oldcastle in Meath this weekend.
According to the Meath Chronicle, the penis, or to give it its full title, the Antique Carved Ivory Ladies Companion in Scarlet Lined Leather Upholstered Carry Box with Inset Bevelled Glass Panel, will be one of 1,100 lots on view at the Oldcastle Saleroom in Meath from Thursday at 11am, with the sale itself starting at 2pm sharp on Saturday and Sunday.
Described in the Meath Chronicle as “a vintage piece of Irish erotica, enjoyed by Victorian women while their men were away at war,” a spokesperson for Matthews Auctioneers expects it to be one of the most popular items on the day.
“We expect a significant amount of interest in this, it’s a piece of erotica and it’s very rare,” the spokesperson told the paper.
“We’ve never seen anything like this really, it’s an extremely rare piece from the 19th century.”
Pic via Matthews Auction Rooms
The penis is listed as Lot. 475 and will be up for auction, along with all other lots from 1-550, on Saturday, April 22, from 2pm.
Obviously, our immediate intention upon hearing of this story was to lace this article with penis puns, but we don’t think we’re going to do better than the opening paragraph in the corresponding article in the Meath Chronicle, penned by Gavan Becton.
“An eight and a half inch carved ivory penis will be up for grabs this weekend in Oldcastle with pricing expected to rise from a stiff €500,” Becton writes.
“A unique and eye-catching piece of pleasure is expected to stir stiff competition amongst collectors with seasoned-auction goers expecting a thrilling climax before a successful bidder comes forward.”
Well played.
For more information on the auction, check out the Matthews Auction Rooms website.
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