Historic gold items spark auction interest
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 24th October, 2016
Gold is the underlying theme for Sotheby’s Australia October Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design October sale when three significant historic gold items are put up for its latest Sydney auction.
In a reminder that the 2016 Spring Racing Carnival is now in full swing, the first gold offering is the 1985 Melbourne Cup won by What a Nuisance – notable because it was first time the event had been attended and the cup presented by a member of the royal family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended Flemington as part of their Victorian visit with Prince Charles later presenting the Melbourne Cup to Crown Casino founder Lloyd Williams – with the late Dennis Gowing co-owner of the winning horse.
The cup has remained in the Gowing family since the 1985 win and was on long-term loan to the Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame between 2003 and 2016.
Another major gold feature of the auction, to be held from 6pm on Tuesday October 25 at The Hughenden 14 Queen Street, Woollahra, is the 1881 Adelaide Hunt Club Cup.
The 18-carat cup, modelled to a neoclassical form, is the only known surviving 19th century South Australian gold trophy in private hands and was made by Henry Steiner of Adelaide.
The David Reed gold nugget is the third of the glittering treasures. Discovered in the mid-1970s by its namesake near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, the nugget weighs 620 grams and is 11.5 centimetres long.
It has remained in a private collection since being acquired from Mr Reed and the vendor is now selling to assist with the St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide organ restoration.
The auction also features an impressive selection of Chinese and Japanese ceramics, furniture and works of art.
An unusual “Famille-rose” double moon flask from the early 20th century is finely painted with different scenes of figures in a landscape. It is probably from the Republic period and carries a catalogue estimate of $25,000-$28,000.
Rare to the Australian market is Lazar Krestin’ s insightful portrait Shepardi Rabbi at Study 1921.
Consigned by the Temple Beth Israel, the Melbourne proceeds will assist with the Temple’s ongoing outreach activities and justice services.
Other auction highlights include a pair of embellished 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty black lacquer plaques and an impressive blue and white “Three Friends” jar carrying the Wanli mark and period.
Viewing at 30 and 34 Queen Street, Woollahra.
