Three (including one large) paintings by Australian artist the late Ray Crooke will feature in Christian McCann’s first auction for 2016 from noon February 21 at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond.

One of Australia’s leading landscape artists, famous particularly for his serene views of Islander people and ocean landscapes based on the art of Paul Gauguin, Crooke died in December last year aged 93.

Although not usually recognised for his portraits, he won the 1969 Archibald Prize with a painting of novelist George Johnston.

Two antique brooches – one a butterfly diamond and sapphire bought in 1923 in Paris and featured on the auction catalogue cover – are major drawcards for Philips Auctions first jewellery sale for 2016 from 6pm Monday February 15 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The other (on the inside cover) is a diamond brooch made by the vendor’s grandfather who was a jeweller.

The auction contains a quality selection of ruby rings and earrings that auction goers can be comfortable bidding for knowing they are in excellent condition.

Several Stuart Devlin silver creations will be the highlight of Philips Auctions first decorative arts sale for 2016 when auctioneer Tony Philips climbs the podium at noon on Sunday February 14 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Eighty-four-year-old Geelong-born gold and silversmith Devlin is famous for winning the competition to design Australia’s decimal coinage and for his appointment in 1982 as goldsmith and jeweller to Queen Elizabeth II.

Three superb marble fireplaces – still in place in their Toorak mansion abode – will be offered for auction from 9.30am Tuesday February 9 at E.J. Ainger’s latest weekly sale at 433 Bridge road, Richmond.

The fireplaces join an extensive range of collectables including porcelain, crystal, oriental items pictures and cloisonné that are the residual contents of estates in North Balwyn, St Kilda and Armadale.

Demand for sporting memorabilia is stronger than ever – particularly for early items, documents and photographs where the sporting greats have retired or died – and Mossgreen’s first auction of this type for 2016 is a great example.

To be held from 10am Monday February 8 at 926-930 High Street Armadale, the auction features the Australian baggy green Test caps from two former Australian captains – one belonging to the late Richie Benaud from his last Test series in 1963-64 against South Africa and the other to Ian Chappell from the 1973-74 series against New Zealand.

Leonard Joel’s first monthly collectable toy and other memorabilia auction for 2016 will be held from 12pm Thursday February 4 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

While estimates for different lots vary, two Dinky 505 Foden flat trucks with chains each carry $1000-$1500 tags.

There are two Dinky 36G taxis and a range of military and construction vehicles.

Of interest will be several film posters (including one of Teresa Desqueyroux 1962) and a mounted Don Bradman display (including bat) featuring his prolific record from 1927-1949. 

The contents of a Toorak mansion are the highlight of E.J. Ainger’s first auction for the year from 9.30am Tuesday February 2 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The Mathoura Road property contains outstanding Victorian and 19^th century French library, dining room, bedroom and occasional furniture and luxurious lounge furnishings.

The original cottage was built in the late 1800s – however, with the recent death of the farmer the property has been sold and auctioneer Steve Graham will auction all the farming and workshop equipment at Shannon’s Lane, Kerrie from 10am Sunday January 31.

For auction goers looking for useful farm equipment, this auction is a must see with an International 434 diesel tractor (with 1358 hours) among the main attractions.

Other highlights include a Berends Cyclomatic 15000 mulcher mower and 10-disk offset plough, along with a Daken 3’6” slasher.

A clearing sale for Bochara Park near Hamilton, Victoria should attract auction goers from miles around when auctioneer Brian O’Halloran from Glenelg Auctions climbs the podium at 10.30am Saturday January 30.

Bochara Park is 12 kilometres west of Hamilton (off the Glenelg Highway) and auction goers are advised to follow the direction signs to the sale.

The property has been sold and there is a lot of farm machinery up for grabs.

One of the major drawcards is a John Deere 5410 tractor and loader with 1298 hours on the clock.

Auction goers have the opportunity tomorrow (January 17) to obtain a small piece of the Porcupine Township at Maldon when auctioneer Steve Graham begins his on site auction at 10am.

Porcupine Township is your typical Australian pioneer village of the 1850s – a la Sovereign Hill at Ballarat.

Established in the early 1990s, it was a popular tourist attraction among those interested in seeing life in a gold mining community in colonial times first hand until purchased about five years ago by the current owners and closed down.