A Japanese matchlock musket, dating from 1470 and containing the first ever firing mechanism invented for guns, will be a major highlight for Oldies Collectables forthcoming two-day auction from 10am Saturday September 10 at the old Kilmore Gaol, 8 Sutherland Street, Kilmore.

The auction, which continues from 10am the next day, contains 1400 items of historic militaria, garage memorabilia, cast iron moneyboxes and American animal traps.

A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cocktail earrings and brooch set is the highlight of Leonard Joel’s spring Fine Jewels auction from 6pm Monday September 5 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

Purchased during an overseas holiday, the set was worn to many formal functions and always attracted attention – often becoming the “jewellery talking piece” of the evening.

This is not surprising as Van Cleef & Arpels has always been associated with sumptuous jewellery design matched by exacting workmanship.

Two large diamond rings – one 5.5 carats and the other 5.09 carats – are major highlights of Mossgreen’s forthcoming Fine Jewels & Watches sale from 6pm Tuesday August 30 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

Both are accompanied by GIA Diamond Grading Reports denoting their colour and clarity and carry respective catalogue estimates of $80,000-$120,000 and $80,000-$90,000.

The auction is notable for several fine pieces including a 1970s diamond bracelet (estimate $32,000-$38,000) and a collection of mid-Victorian 18-carat gold, diamond and emerald jewellery.

Mossgreen CEO Paul Sumner has described Albert Tucker’s extraordinary painting Attack of the Beast 1953-55-86 as so powerful, it stops any viewer in their tracks.

“This brilliant work was painted at an important time in the artist’s career,” he says in the introduction to the Fine Australian and International Art catalogue for an auction which will be held from 6.30pm Monday August 29 and continue the following day from 2.30pm at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.