Melbourne Ainger auction a reminder for grocery shopping regulars

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.

Migrating in 1960 from the United Kingdom, he ran grocery stores in Briar Hill and Rosanna before 15 years later joining business partner, the now retired Noel Alexander, at Eaglemont.

Ivan always loved the little village atmosphere for which the shopping strip was famous, while still able to compete with the major supermarkets, and had a personal connection with many of the regular shoppers.  

One of the highlights from Ivan’s estate is a Beale pianola – complete with 36 boxes of pianola rolls. Another is a collection of Amphora and Gouda pottery and a grandfather clock. 

A further auction attraction is a huge consignment of mid-20^th century English teak dining room furnishings – along with decorative Louis XV style marble top commodes and circular wine tables.

Four luxurious Chesterfield settees and a leather loose cushion settee are on offer – while from a Brighton home comes a fine selection of Oriental teak furnishings, 11-piece American dining room suite and Spanish farmhouse table and matching chairs.

There are Georgian and Victorian cedar and mahogany chests, sets of Victorian chairs, an Edwardian hallstand, contemporary art deco furniture and marble pedestals.

Garden furniture includes a pair of concrete seated hounds and a large iron arch top gates 260 centimetres high by 190 centimetres wide.

Crystal chandeliers, including a large circular ball shaped specimen, abound, while there also is a huge selection of Royal Dux ornaments, Royal Doulton figures and a set of six graduated Remued pottery jugs.

Other attractions include antique wooden, iron panelled and louvre doors and a large selection of Australian and overseas oil paintings, watercolours and graphics.