Rare famine pot in Usher auction

An interesting  item has appeared at Oliver Usher's Auction Rooms, Kells for sale at the auction on Tuesday next, 22nd May . It is an extremely rare Phoenix cast metal famine pot, compelet with enclosed fire base. It has carrying handles on either side and also its lid.
A relic from the Irish famine era, the Quakers brought them to Ireland in 1847 for providing soup to the starving people. They were also used  in the alms houses.
Also in this auction is a Ballyjamesduff grandfather clock by John Mertz, who was a clockmaker in Ballyjamesduff around 1858.
There are 600 Lots in the auction which takes place on Tuesday 22nd May at 5 pm at The Auction Rooms, John Street, Kells. Viewing takes place on Sunday 2 -6, Monday 10-7 and Day of Sale from 10 a.m.