An 18^th century hand carved Cherrywood marriage bed should have auction goers smiling when auctioneer Kim Haolin mounts the podium at 11am Sunday April 7 at Kim’s Auctions 329 Warrigal Road, Burwood.

Obviously designed for generations several centuries ago, the bed is too small for many modern day adult human beings who would struggle to comfortably stretch out on the enclosed mattress space.

Nevertheless, it is a beautifully constructed piece of furniture that is bound to appeal to more than one collector.

Among the 776 items up for grabs at Gibson’s Auctions forthcoming Autumn Auction Series – from 6.30pm Monday April at Level 1, 885-889 High Street, Armadale – is lot 298, an unusual George III satinwood, padouk and inlaid tripod table attributed to John Cobb (1710-1778).

Rare and substantial works by an accomplished Australian colonial artist, providing new perspectives on important aspects of mid-19^th century Australian art and life, will be auctioned from 6.30pm Thursday March 28 by Menzies at its Sydney gallery at 12 Todman Avenue, Kensington.

Thomas Tyrwhitt Balcombe (1810-1861) was a well-known colonial identity, field surveyor and professional artist who won many awards and medals for his efforts – and whose works until recently were few and far between.

Those auction goers who knew Eaglemont identity the late Ivan Mason – until March 2013 for four decades the friendly face behind the IGA counter in Silverdale Road – will have the chance to obtain a reminder of his smiling visage when his furniture and effects are auctioned from 9.30am Tuesday March 19 by E.J. Ainger Pty Ltd at 433 Bridge Rod, Richmond.

Ivan, who lived just up the road from the store that as owner and manager became a large part of his life, died aged 77 in April 2017 – a little over four years after his retirement.