House contents sales invariably attract strong interest because of their personal nature. Drum's of Malahide, Co Dublin, ought therefore to expect a strong response to the auction it will be conducting next week on the premises of 12 St James's Terrace in the village. A highlight of the event will be this very fine early 19th century mahogany breakfront bookcase.

Possibly of Cork origins and with moulded cornice above four glazed doors, it measures some eight feet long; the pre-sale estimate is £6,000 to £8,000.

In the same auction a number of other items deserve mention, such as a decorated satinwood writing desk (£5,000 to £6,000) and a William IV drop-leaf work table (£2,500 to £3,000). Both a mahogany-cased Bluthner upright piano and a Victorian longcase clock carry the same estimate of £1,500 to £2,000. A Village Scene by Daniel Sheerin is expected to make £2,500 to £3,000. The auction is on Wednesday, at 2 p.m.