In 1868, the British Conservative Party MP for North Essex Sir Charles Du Cane was appointed the third Governor of Tasmania – a position he held until November 30, 1874.

Before he left England, his constituents and friends presented Sir Charles with a Renaissance silver cup which will be among items to be auctioned from noon Sunday April 28 by Christian McCann Auctions at 429 Burnley Street, Richmond.

The lid is embossed with the goddess Diana, her dog and hunting scenes while the lower section features a satyr seated on a rocky mound.

Melbourne’s leading royalty, 82-year-old “Aussie Earl” Englishman Keith Rous – the sixth Earl of Stradbroke – and  his wife of 42 years, Rosie, never do anything by halves.

 They are about to carry out a multi-million dollar renovation to dramatically enlarge and modernise the massive Hawthorn mansion “Haven”, built in 1898 and with its twin towers one of the original landmark properties of St James Park Estate, that they bought almost three years ago – and are ditching many of the property fittings to do so.

Melbourne’s leading royalty, 82-year-old “Aussie Earl” Englishman Keith Rous – the sixth Earl of Stradbroke – and  his wife of 42 years, Rosie, never do anything by halves.

 They are about to carry out a multi-million dollar renovation to dramatically enlarge and modernise the massive Hawthorn mansion “Haven”, built in 1898 and with its twin towers one of the original landmark properties of St James Park Estate, that they bought almost three years ago – and are ditching many of the property fittings to do so.

An extremely rare Robert Prenzel wood carving of a koala (lot 437) signed by the artist and dated 1917 is a major highlight of E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming two-day special sale from 11am Saturday April 6 and at the same time the following day at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Woodcarver and cabinetmaker Prenzel (1866-1941) was born in Prussia and in 1888 arrived in Melbourne via a European “carving” sojourn.

Working first for a shipbuilder, he then began designing furniture for Nunan Bros before going into partnership with John Treede.

An 18^th century hand carved Cherrywood marriage bed should have auction goers smiling when auctioneer Kim Haolin mounts the podium at 11am Sunday April 7 at Kim’s Auctions 329 Warrigal Road, Burwood.

Obviously designed for generations several centuries ago, the bed is too small for many modern day adult human beings who would struggle to comfortably stretch out on the enclosed mattress space.

Nevertheless, it is a beautifully constructed piece of furniture that is bound to appeal to more than one collector.

Among the 776 items up for grabs at Gibson’s Auctions forthcoming Autumn Auction Series – from 6.30pm Monday April at Level 1, 885-889 High Street, Armadale – is lot 298, an unusual George III satinwood, padouk and inlaid tripod table attributed to John Cobb (1710-1778).

Among the prolific offering of quality works by leading Australian artists at Deutscher and Hackett’s forthcoming art auction from 7pm Wednesday April 10 at Sydney’s National Art School in Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, is a small number of paintings from the estate of Singapore-based Australian architect, the late Kerry Hill.

Hill, who died after a short battle with cancer in August last year aged 75, was well feted by his profession – winning the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal in 2006 and the Singapore President’s Design Award four years later.

With more than 50 years as an Australian dealer in antiquities and decorative and fine arts, Graham Geddes has become somewhat of an icon and world expert of the industry.

His three distinct showrooms in Melbourne’s High Street, Armadale – a perpetuation of the family business – are an ongoing testimony to his credentials and love of the rare and prestigious pieces which he handles.

A turn of the 20^th century Russian silver and gem set elephant match holder by Faberge from St Petersburg (lot 177) and belonging to a former Carlton Australian Football League club president will be the highlight of Philips Auctions forthcoming decorative arts sale from noon Sunday March 24 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Rare and substantial works by an accomplished Australian colonial artist, providing new perspectives on important aspects of mid-19^th century Australian art and life, will be auctioned from 6.30pm Thursday March 28 by Menzies at its Sydney gallery at 12 Todman Avenue, Kensington.

Thomas Tyrwhitt Balcombe (1810-1861) was a well-known colonial identity, field surveyor and professional artist who won many awards and medals for his efforts – and whose works until recently were few and far between.