An auction bonanza for Christmas

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.

The auction also contains another Royal Worcester collection that includes a Chamberlain ‘Jabberwocky’ plate (1816-1820), a 1904 Persian style blush ivory vase and a 1926 Harry Stinton signed vase.

Moorcroft pieces are in abundance including a 1915-1930 pomegranate vase, an ‘anemone’ vase from the 19563-1978 period and a 1997 ‘verely’ vase which designer Nicola Slaney made for the New Forest range to mark the Moorcroft centenary.

Chinese porcelain, ivory, jade and figurines are another attraction with a Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze deity figure one of the leading examples.

An exceptional mid-19^th century rosewood, ivory and silk Cantonese screen has a catalogue estimate of $20,000-$40,000.

Sterling silver once again features prominently including several 20^th century picture frames and George III, George IV and Victorian examples.

A maritime collection of scrimshaws and chronometers and other memorabilia is another buyer drawcard.

These include an antique Swedish maritime lantern, a ship’s wheel, miscellaneous maps and an antique whalebone walking cane.

Other auction attractions include two 1970s drop prism chandeliers – and two massive chandeliers 1.5 metres in diameter.

Unusual are the 1999 Davis Cup winner’s trophy (won by Australia for the 22^nd time) and the 2001 Davis Cup runner up trophy (again awarded to Australia).

Several paintings by Geoffrey Richard Mainwaring (1912-2000) including The Traders should attract first time art enthusiasts.