Trevor Kennedy, former journalist and right-hand man to Australian media tycoon the late Kerry Packer, is auctioning much of his colonial furniture, silver and other collectables collection through Gibson’s Auctions over two days from 12pm Sunday June 20 (live auction) and from 10am Monday June 21 (an online sale) at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.

The auction has been delayed by two weeks due to Victoria’s current COVID-19 lockdown – the fourth in 15 months – which has now been extended by another seven days in Melbourne until 11.59pm Thursday June 10.

As Melbourne enters its fourth COVID-19 lockdown in 15 months – this one hopefully only for seven days – fine and decorative arts auction houses are once more in online mode, both for viewing and bidding.

This is certainly true for Gibson’s Auctions sale, entitled The Autumn Emporium, which ends from 10am Monday May 31 at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.

The auction comprises 464 lots – many of them very affordable for first time buyers – and covering such categories as art, porcelain, ceramics, sculptures, furniture and other collectables.

In 2010, a couple purchased a promotional carton of Carlton Draft beer as part of a special “Win a Prize” competition.

The prize – a beer glass in 18-carat gold by Hardy Brothers Jewellers (silversmiths to Queen Elizabeth) engraved with the words “SINCE 1864 CARLTON DRAFT Brewery Fresh”.

Chinese antiquities such as a rare 19^th century late Qing dynasty cinnabar lacquer table screen (lot 23) are among the higher value items at Melbourne-based Gibson’s Auctions forthcoming Autumn Auction Series sale from 11am Sunday May 16 at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.