Historic mansions house wonderful auction treasures

 Items from historic Alton – the Mount Macedon estate established in the 1870s by Sir George Verdon (at various times Victoria’s treasurer and Agent General) and subsequently owned by Judge Hood and Aspro co-founder George Nicholas before being purchased in 1997 by mining executive Eduard Eshuys and his wife Marjorie – will be auctioned from 10am Sunday May 24 at another historic mountain mansion “Nandi”, 680 Mount Macedon Road by auctioneer Steve Graham.

Alton is famous for its magnificent gardens and is regarded as one of the genuinely exquisite Victorian hill estates.

Graham said the auction would feature an enormous array of antique furniture, clocks and as new retro picnic sets that haven’t been opened in 50 years.

“There also are porcelain flying wall ducks and other birds, a bronze water fountain and other garden ornaments and furniture,” he said.

“Other features include famous brand clothing from such well known designers as Allanah Hill and Stella McCartney.”

Jewellery is another drawcard, along with bronze figures an 1870s grandfather clock and several French and English mantel clocks.

Porcelain includes Lladro, Staffordshire figures, Carlton ware and a Wedgwood Osborne dinner set.

Furniture includes Moran and Chesterfield lounge suites and there is a range of mid-Victorian silverware and cutlery.