An exquisite blue Lalique Piriac vase with frosted glass and rippled band is a major highlight of E.J. Ainger’s special sale from 11am Sunday November 9 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The same collector also has a splendid silver collection in the auction including items from renowned silver maker Nathaniel Mills – which matches well with other silver in the sale including a German 875 silver canteen of cutlery.

A rare set of six original Gracius J. Broinowski books entitled The Birds of Australia, dated 1890 and belonging to well-known Melbourne bird enthusiast the late Barbara Tunbridge, will be a major drawcard at Christian McCann’s forthcoming auction from noon Saturday November 9 at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond.

A recognised artist and leading ornithologist of his day, Broinowski was born in 1837 in Poland and 20 years later arrived at Portland, Victoria after swimming ashore from a windjammer following a trying journey from England.

An impressive sterling silver candelabra centrepiece presented by Australian colonists to David and Amelia Campbell for repelling bushrangers attacking their property on November 19, 1863 is a major highlight of Mossgreen’s Australian & Colonial Antique & Historical auction from 1pm Thursday November 6 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

Auction goers looking to stock up on fine china dinner sets will find it difficult to go past the Wedgwood and Royal Doulton on offer at Young’s Auctions latest sale from 9.30am Friday October 31 at 229 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn.

There are several dinner sets to be auctioned along with other Wedgwood and Royal Albert tea set items.

One of the more unusual exhibits is a pair of stuffed cobras fighting a mongoose, while the collection of wines and ports should appeal to wine collectors.