With their entrepreneurial and business acumen, local business identities the late Paul and Sophie Courtnay left an indelible impression on Melbourne’s western suburbs – even more so when they decided in the 1990s to build a magnificent 100-square home to house their family at 49 Stewart Drive, Werribee.

Leski Auctions has launched its 2021 Melbourne auction year with a Stamps, Coins and Postal History sale from 12pm Sunday February 7 at 727-729 High Street, Armadale.

The live auction, featuring more than 600 lots with estimates ranging from $50 to $60,000, will be preceded by an online only sale of more than 900 lots that will close progressively over Friday February 5 and Saturday February 6.

While some of the top pieces of jewellery at Philips Auctions December sale carry thousands of dollars in estimates, many of the 230 lots are in the more affordable hundreds of dollars range and would make ideal Christmas gifts.

The auction, from 12pm Sunday December 13 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, features a range to suit all comers including a striking 14-carat gold abstract boulder open and diamond drop necklace (lot 230) with a catalogue estimate of $10,000-$20,000.

Gibson’s Auctions kicks off its Spring Auction Series from 12pm Sunday November 29 with a Melbourne-based private collection of Chinese and Asian ceramics and works of art including a Han Dynasty green glazed pottery ‘hill’ jar and cover (lot 1) similar to one sold in September 2018 by Sotheby’s New York.

A Tang-style painted figure of horse (lot 2) is another highlight along with a Song Dynasty russet-splashed black glazed bowl (lot 3).