Auction goers will have the unique opportunity to obtain a gold travelling clock that once belonged to legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba when they attend Philips Auctions next jewellery sale from 6pm Monday October 27 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The clock, made by Vacheron Constantin and with “Vacheron Paris” marked on the flap, has the signature “Nellie Melba” engraved on the case.

The diva gave the clock to her friend Thomas Hazelton-Cochrane who then bequeathed it to his niece Margaret Ormond Cochrane.

With centenary commemorations honouring the start of World War I a regular occurrence this year, Philips Auctions has signified its modest acknowledgement of events with two paintings by noted ship portrait artist Arthur Victor (AV) Gregory of vessels that served with Australian forces during the Great War in its latest auction.

Gregory lived from 1867 to 1957 and the two paintings, completed in 1918, are of the AIF hospital ship Karoola and the SS Riverina crossing the Tasman Sea.

A large number of items from all parts of Victoria are featured in E.J. Ainger’s weekly sale from 9.30am Tuesday October 21 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The auction includes a consignment of mantel clocks, paintings and graphics, decorative ceramics, coloured Victorian glass, Persian floor rugs, sterling silver and fine paper mache items.

The furniture on offer features English, French, Australian and Oriental antiques and retro.

Some of the more interesting items include Egyptian iron garden furniture and decorative Louis style chairs.

A prominent Melbourne family involved in Australia’s jewellery industry is auctioning its large collection of antique furniture, porcelain, silver and collectibles through auctioneer Phillip Caldwell from 11am Sunday October 19 at 13 Gladstone Parade, Elsternwick.

Mr Caldwell first met the family about two years ago when asked to value the contents of its magnificent period home, which has now been sold.

He was immediately impressed with the quality of the furniture and collectibles, much of which had been collected during regular trips to New York, Europe and Asia.