Brett Whiteley’s Platypus – perhaps the most compelling image from his Zoo publication of 1979 – will be a major highlight for Lawson-Menzies first offerings for 2014.

The auction, from 6.30pm on Thursday February 27 at 12 Todman Avenue, Kensington in Sydney, will comprise 283 works.

Prior to the sale, works will be on view in Melbourne from 10am-5.30pm Thursday February 13 to Sunday February 16 at 1 Darling Street, South Yarra.

An ornate mother-of-pearl, hand painted visiting card case commissioned by the second man to ever captain an English cricket team, the Honourable George Harris, was undoubtedly a unique way to pay homage to the sport he loved – given that most would have settled for a stump, bail, bat, ball or item of clothing.

He even had the case painted with a cricket scene on one side and a self-portrait on the other.

When notorious 1920s underworld identity Joseph “Squizzy” Taylor was fatally wounded in October 1927 by fellow gangster John “Snowy” Cutmore, he was apparently wearing a suit made by George Symons grandfather.

“My grandfather (also named George) had a tailor’s shop in the Block Arcade overlooking Collins Street and made suits for professional people and businessmen,” George said.

“Squizzy also used to have his suits made there and always paid cash – so, from a business point of view, my grandfather very much lamented his passing.”

Restorers and the home handyman (or woman) will be in their element fossicking among E.J. Ainger’s restoration gems from 9.30am on Tuesday at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The auction house’s back room is full of restoration and decorator items while the front room contains Victorian and Australian 19^th century furniture.

This includes a fine secretaire two-door bookcase, burr walnut wardrobe, credenza and a music canterbury.

There also is a large number of interesting collectable including paintings and floor rugs.