Philips Auctions

It might sound extremely indulgent to the average auction goer, but perhaps some among those who attend these events harbour a secret desire to open their mail with a silver Faberge letter opener.

If so, it will be worth attending Philips Auctions forthcoming Fine & Decorative Arts sale – from noon Sunday October 28 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern – where such an item is being offered for a modest estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

The Russian .875 silver and rock crystal letter opener (lot 21) was made in 1894 in Moscow and bears the K. Faberge mark in Cyrillic.

A fascinating collection of perfume bottles is among the highlights of Philips Auctions forthcoming decorative arts sale from noon Sunday September 16 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The collection – 44 18^th and 19^th century bottles in all – belongs to long-time collectors Peter Baker-Finch and Walter Grench and features many unusual porcelain creations by leading manufacturers.

Typical is the 1850-60 “Provender for the Monastery” figure attributed to Meissen. Another is the 1880s gilded cornucopia perfume bottle attributed to Moser.

A Melbourne surgeon, who died several years ago from asbestosis contracted when he worked as a student on a building site, has left a lasting legacy in the form of antique English pocket watches collected for relaxation while he was alive.

His wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, has given the collection – comprising 170 pocket watches – to Philips Auctions to be sold at a special auction from 6.00pm Tuesday August 14 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

A gilt aesthetic jug with goblets and tray is among a strong collection of sterling silver at Philips Auctions forthcoming sale from noon Sunday June 24 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

With a catalogue estimate of $12,000-$14,000, the 1879 and 1882 set, complete with maker’s marks for Holland, Son & Slater of London and Birmingham’s Elkington & Co, features a straight-sided jug with a bamboo bracket handle and foliate mounts.

A magnificent George II sterling silver breadbasket made in 1744 in London with maker’s marks for Aymé Videau is another attraction.

More than 100 lots including fine oriental pieces from the one estate will be the highlight of Philips Auctions forthcoming sale from noon Sunday May 20 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Another major attraction is the Moorcroft collection and Bernard Moore flambé on offer.

The auction contains a range of sterling silver and an impressive selection of French clocks and furniture.

Paintings are another feature – simply ready for purchase and hang on the wall at home.

An internationally significant Australian-based early English porcelain collection – the result of decades of research and acquisition – should give serious collectors the opportunity of a lifetime when it is auctioned from noon Sunday July 30 by Philips Auctions at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern Victoria as a pre-cursor to the company’s normal decorative arts sale.

A 1730s baroque gilt bronze boulle clock and an eight-leaf double sided Chinese coromandel screen from the late Qing dynasty are two of the highlights at Philips Auctions latest auction from noon Sunday July 31 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The eight-day clock, complete with the maker’s mark De Lorme of Paris, contains enamel cartouches and Roman numerals upon a gilt dial bearing the “Sun King” emblem. 

Another intriguing item is a fine antique Chinese bronze vase with timber base, also from the Qing dynasty.

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.

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.

With Christmas just around the corner, Philips Auctions final decorative arts sale for the year features a plethora of items that would make ideal presents for family and friends.

The auction, from noon Sunday December 6 at 47 Glenferrie Road Malvern, features quality items from a Melbourne philanthropist that include a stunning French commode, ormolu pier table, two vitrines and porcelain by Royal Worcester, Dresden and Limoge such as lemon and pink eggs and vases by Grainger & Co and Royal Dux.