Rare Moorcroft collection to be sold at Melbourne auction
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 3rd October, 2025
A rare English “Flambe Carp” pottery urn (lot 633) is among an important fine and rare Moorcroft collection to be auctioned by Melbourne-based Leski Auctions as part of its two-day decorative arts and collectables sale from 10am Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12 at 727-729 High Street, Armadale.
Illustrated with six carp among waterweed, the urn has a catalogue estimate of $25,000-$35,000.
It is accompanied by a “Moonlit Blue” exhibition mantel vase (lot 636) and a “Waratah” baluster shaped specimen (lot 634) as the highlights of the 23-piece collection (lots 633-655).
Other important collection pieces are a rare “Protea” twin handled vase (lot 635) and a “Hazeldene” mantel vase made for Liberty & Co of London (lot 637).
The auction has a comprehensive range of categories from silver, jewellery, watches and clocks to Chinese and Asian art, glass, lamps, furniture paintings and porcelain.
A separate section (from lots 1249-1531) is the Keith Head camera collection. Keith is the former treasurer of the Australian Photographic Collectors’ Society.
Sterling silver is a significant part of the auction. It includes a circa 1828 superb Georgian gilded two handled lidded trophy cup adorned with an action racing scene (lot 4) made by London silversmith Benjamin Smith.
Among the jewellery is a 14-carat gold Pandora bracelet and significant quantity of charms (lot 219) with a $15,000-$20,000 catalogue estimate.
Other jewellery items include a 14-carat white gold and diamond cocktail necklace adorned with South Sea pearls (lot 215) and an 18-carat gold pendant (lot 201).
A Cartier tri-coloured 18-carat gold cased cigarette lighter in its original box (lot 250) joins a “Panthiere de Cartier” 18-carat gold cased wristwatch on matching gold bracelet (lot 253a), also in its original box, as important auction pieces – the latter carrying a $20,000-$25,000 catalogue estimate.
A 19th century South Indian Bala Krishna bronze sculpture (lot 371) is a good example of the Chinese and Asian art on offer.
Paintings include an untitled Cornish beach scene (lot 551) by British artist Dorothea Sharp (1874-1955).
