Like many of his regular clients with whom he has had a long association, Melbourne auctioneer Christian McCann first met the late Brian Jasper more than 20 years ago at the Camberwell Antique Fair where he sold him a 19^th century walnut credenza.

Over the ensuing years, Mr McCann said he derived great pleasure from helping Mr Jasper source much of his collection.

An unusual !9^th century Indian Kashmir silver tea pot (lot 159) joins a collection of miniatures, Georg Jensen sterling silver and an 1859 American girandoles candelabra with lustres (lot 76) as strong attractions for Philips Auctions first decorative arts and jewellery sales for 2021 concluding from 12pm Monday February 22 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

While still a teenager, Christian McCann recalls helping the East Melbourne collector, who wishes to remain anonymous, curate his significant and comprehensive collection.

Several of the extremely rare items were purchased around 1980 from Christian’s father Ron and he quickly built a reputation for identifying quality items.

While some of the top pieces of jewellery at Philips Auctions December sale carry thousands of dollars in estimates, many of the 230 lots are in the more affordable hundreds of dollars range and would make ideal Christmas gifts.

The auction, from 12pm Sunday December 13 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, features a range to suit all comers including a striking 14-carat gold abstract boulder open and diamond drop necklace (lot 230) with a catalogue estimate of $10,000-$20,000.