World War I, or the Great War as it was known, was meant to be the “war to end all wars”.

Of course, as history records, peace after the “war to end all wars” only lasted for 20 years – as Germany once more tried its hand at world dominance by invading Poland, leading to the outbreak of World War II on September 3, 1939.

Supreme Allied Commander towards the end of World War I was French general and military genius Marshal Ferdinand Jean Marie Foch (1851-1929), who played a decisive role in halting a renewed German advance on Paris in the Second Battle of the Marne.

A range of antique and modern furniture, art, porcelain, silver and other collectables will greet auction goers to E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming sale from 9.30am Tuesday June 18 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.  

Among the porcelain on offer is a Royal Worcester pot pourri and a Moorcroft vase.

Art works include Max Middleton’s Coastal Scene and Robert Young’s Resumption of play – both oils on board.

Unusual silver and bronze elephants belonging to a leading Melbourne business identity will be a major highlight of Philips Auctions forthcoming fine and decorative arts sale from noon Sunday June 16 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The 40-strong collection features several fascinating examples including lot 65 – Austrian Franz Bergman’s (1861-1936) bronze rendition showing the elephant with game hunters and a slain tiger.

A painting depicting The Grand Canal and Doge’s Palace, Venice by noted French landscape artist Antoine Bouvard (1870-1956) is one of the appealing highlights at Kim’s Auctions forthcoming sale from 11am Sunday May 26 on site in the recently sold modern mansion at 11 Knutsford Street, Balwyn.

Bouvard, who often painted under the pseudonym Marc Aldine, was best known for his portrayal of Venetian canal scenes – painted in warm tones and hazy light that often accompanies the setting sun.