Parliamentary history to go under the hammer in Melbourne auction

Auction goers have a rare chance to obtain an important slice of Australian parliamentary history after the Victorian Parliament decided to sell furniture used in both houses – a collection of chairs, desks, tables, bookcases and library ladders that has been in storage for up to 80 years.

The collection is being sold only online by Gibson’s Auctions with the sale ending from 10am Monday April 4.

Live viewing is available from 10am-5pm Friday April 1 to Sunday April 3 at Lower Ground, 15 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin.

Hundreds of furniture pieces made between the late 1880s and the 1990s, representing an era when furniture was a reflection of true craftsman quality and made to last for a long time.

From lot 1 – a set of 10 late Victorian square back padded dining chairs – every item oozes quality.

Unusual is a parliamentary chair from the first half of last century (lot 48) that has already doubled its $40-$50 estimate.

An impressive late 19^th century Victorian fiddleback blackwood partner’s desk with D-shaped ends (lot 49) is a very affordable pick up at a $400-$600 estimate, while a 1930s art deco walnut veneer cellarette (lot 47) is a modest $40-$60.

Intriguing is the early 20^th century blackwood voting booth (lot 74) and there are plenty of pedestal and partner’s desks (example lot 77) ideal for home or office from which to choose.

Early 20^th century American Cutler roll top desks are always popular and lot 102 is an excellent example for someone wanting one from which to pen letters or other documents.

Bi-fold and other doors are another offering with lot 160 typical of those on offer, while 19^th century library ladders (lots 190-203) also are in abundance.

A curio in this digital age of mobile phones and computers is a Brazilian made Olivetti typewriter (lot 220).