Aussie Taxi King auction contents a "hansom" acquisition

Kevin Gange is popularly known as the “Taxi King” – largely because his family has been involved in Melbourne’s taxi industry since the 1860s when his great-great-grandfather first started ferrying passengers around city streets in a hansom cab.

He and auctioneer Phil Caldwell initially crossed paths in 1999 when Kevin purchased a hansom cab as a reminder of his family’s early beginnings at the Monte Christie horse-drawn vehicles auction in Junee New South Wales, owned by Reg Ryan.

Kevin and Reg subsequently became friends and, after several attempts, the Taxi King persuaded the country property owner to part with one of his treasured antiques – a rare early cedar davenport with several compartments.

Meantime, Kevin and his late wife Marg restored the magnificent Federation home “Lenoma” at 7 Chrystobel Crescent in Hawthorn which has now been sold as he is moving to a more modern property on the Mornington Peninsula.

So Phil Caldwell was engaged to sell the entire contents of the Hawthorn home, which over the years has been beautifully restored with wonderful antiques to become a Melbourne showpiece.

The auction will take place from 11am Sunday July 4 entirely online with absentee and phone bidding also available and live viewing from 10am-6pm Friday July 2 and Saturday July 3.

The contents include exceptional dining room furniture such as a 19^th century extension mahogany table, chairs, sideboard, beautiful sterling silver and other dining accessories.

The study has to be seen to be believed with a massive six-door breakfront mahogany bookcase and carved antique Victorian mahogany desk.

Russian silver is another feature with quality signed Faberge items including a magnifying glass and card box complete with a portrait of Peter the Great in enamel on the cover.

Auction goers will have a good selection of Australian paintings from which to choose including works by Ernest Buckmaster, J.H. Scheltema, Follen Bishop, David Boyd, John Olsen, Hugh Sawrey, David Bromley, Pro Hart and Sidney Nolan.

Asian and European antiquities such as Han and Tang Dynasty pieces and Greek artefacts are another bonus for buyers.

Jewellery (complete with certificates) along with several superb clocks also is an attraction along with general household goods and quality garden furniture and outdoor settings.

Contact Philip Caldwell Auctioneers on 0414 689 937 or 0411 529 414 for all enquiries.