A strong collection of sterling silver – the highlight of which is a Hester Bateman cruet set – should bring auction goers running for Philips Auctions first decorative arts sale for 2015.

The auction, from noon Sunday February 22 at 47 Glenferrie Road Malvern, will feature several “funky” contemporary art works by artists such as Herman Pekel, Anthony Morrison and Michael Whitehead.

Another strong attraction will be the Chinese export silver by Wing Fat from Hong Kong and Luen Wo from Shanghai – including a spirit kettle on a stand.

E.J. Ainger’s first auction for 2015 will include a large number of items consigned from estates and private homes to the auction rooms over the Christmas-New Year period.

The auction, from 9.30am Tuesday February 3 at 433 Bridge Road Richmond, will feature a Ronisch burr walnut cased baby grand piano, along with collectables, paintings and Persian rugs.

Young’s Auctions welcomes in the New Year with an auction that has items bound to please the most discerning of auction goers.

English china is becoming a big crowd pleaser for many collectors – or for buyers who simply like to dine with the finer things of life – and famous makers such as Royal Doulton, Moorcroft, Shelley, Royal Albert and Wedgwood are among the latest offerings.

Given the massive interest in the recent Test series against India and the forthcoming World Cup, a collection of Australian Test “baggy green” caps will be major drawcards for auction goers at Mossgreen’s first auction for the year from 10am on Tuesday February 3 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

The baggy green caps belong to Sam Loxton, a member of Don Bradman’s 1948 “Invincibles” team that vanquished England, Terry Jenner and John Maclean.

Ledgers and rituals from the Ancient Order of Foresters should make interesting reading for auction goers at Glenelg Auctions next sale from 10.30am Saturday and Sunday January 24 and 25 at 109 Learmonth Street, Portland in western Victoria.

The Ancient Order of Foresters was formed in 1834 in Rochdale England when more than 300 branches of the Royal Foresters Society, established in the 18^th century, established its new order.

A giant museum quality Gabriella Possum painting measuring five metres by two metres entitled Seven Sisters Dreaming will be a massive attraction at auctioneer Steve Graham’s first auction for the year from 10am Sunday January 18 at 64 Urquhart Street, Woodend.

It joins works by her famous father Clifford Possum and fellow Aboriginal artists Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, William Sandy and Arnulf Ebatarinja – along with paintings by household names such as Pro Hart, Frank Harding, Rubery Bennett, William Dellafield Cook and Wykham Perry.

Estate Japanese and Chinese furniture should be worth auction goers making the trip to Portland Victoria for Glenelg Auctions first sale for 2015 from 10.30am on Sunday January 11.

The huge clearance auction of 1600 lots will be held at 109 Learmonth Street, Portland and features art, fine furniture, porcelain, glassware, rugs, clocks and silver.

Christmas presents are high on the agenda for Young’s Auctions final sale for the year from 9.30am Friday December 19 at 229 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn.

The auction contains a large number of small items – many of which would make ideal gifts for Christmas.

Among the more appealing gift items are Waterford, Orrefors and Stuart crystal vases and bowls and English Royal Albert and Royal Worcester dinner and tea sets.

E.J. Ainger’s last sale before Christmas has an eclectic array of items – many of which might make great last minute Christmas presents.

While there is a comprehensive range of antique and contemporary furniture, auction goers might find the paintings, jewellery, porcelain, clocks, rugs and other collectables more suitable as treasured gifts.  

The auction, which contains items from Melbourne estates and private homes, will start at 9.30am on Tuesday December 16 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

There is nothing like an interesting historical tale to spark auction goers’ interest in a particular item and the forthcoming Young’s Auctions sale from 9.30am Friday December 12 at 229 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn is no exception.

One of the items is an 1806 engraved sterling silver decanter holder that was presented in 1816 to a Dr Hallion – the ship’s doctor on one of the ships transporting convicts to the Australian penal colonies.