McCann forced to move his on site Toorak auction

Christian McCann’s on site sale last month of the contents of the nearby property “Moonya” so impressed the owner of 15 Linlithgow Street, Toorak she was prompted to contact him to perform a similar auction at her house.

“It was only a quick settlement of the sale of the house that prevented the auction going ahead in her home,” he said.

So now the sale is being held from noon Sunday August 23 in Christian McCann Auctions room at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond.

The change of venue has provided a few challenges – including the removal of a 2.4-metre high bronze fountain from the garden’s fishpond at great personal hardship to all concerned.

Despite this, the auction has some exquisite offerings including an important Kreiger cabinet, a silver bowl from the Rheinische officer corps, a marble sculpture and a rare 18^th century Venetian cabinet.

A fine collection of French antique furniture includes ormolu mounted boulle and marquetry inlaid salon pieces.

There also are several fine commodes, vitrines, antique banquet tables, bookcases (including a rare Venetian bureau example) and occasional furniture.

Of interest to classical musicians will be the antique harp by Pleyal Lyon and Co of Paris and there are several antique gilt mirrors and other items to consider.

Antique English furniture also is a drawcard including burr walnut credenzas, extension and occasional tables and bookcases.

Australian art features many of the country’s best artists including Hugh Sawrey, Ray Crooke, Albert Namatjira, Rubery Bennett, Pro Hart and J.A. Turner.

Sculpture is another attraction with the highlight a large marble figure group by P.E. Flaschi and bronze figures by various important artists – including one of Queen Victoria signed by Bertram Mackennal.

Antique French porcelain, including exhibition quality ormolu mounted Sevres and Meissen figures, should bring collectors running along with the offerings of signed Royal Worcester and exhibition pieces by Stinton, Davis and Hawkins.

Chinese collectables are included with some rare carved furniture and porcelain on display – including a pair of Ching Dynasty bowls in their original presentation case.

There also is a collection of  antique time pieces such as tube chiming long case clocks, bracket clocks and clock garnitures.