A TRULY superb pair of Irish George II giltwood pier tables will be sold at Christie's in London next Thursday. In the manner of Thomas Johnson, the tables were probably commissioned by Marcus Beresford, first Earl of Tyrone, for his home at Curraghmore, Co Waterford, around 1750. The tables, marble-topped with bubbled and water-dripped friezes supported on golden oak trees, are expected to make £100,000-£150,000.

Also in the same sale are a number of other pieces of Irish furniture, such as and George II giltwood side table, with an estimate of £70,000-£100,000, which was designed by architect Richard Castle and may have been supplied to John Browne, subsequently first Earl of Altamont, for West port House, Co Mayo. In addition, Christie's will be selling an Irish William IV mahogany dining table (£30,000-£50,000)and an Irish George II walnut, concertina-action card table (£25,000-£35,000).