Historic items go under Philips Auctions hammer
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 27th July, 2013
A military breastplate of the type used during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century is one of the more unusual items to go under the hammer from noon tomorrow at Philips Auctions at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.
Belonging to a former armour collector who claims the breastplate dates from about 1790 (the latest period this type of armour was used in battle), nevertheless, according to United Kingdom photographic records, it looks just like breastplates used until about 1650.
Unfortunately, Philips Auctions was unable to identify the armourer’s marks found on the breastplate so cannot verify its possible earlier origins.
The English Civil War (from 1642-51) was a series of armed conflicts between parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers), which resulted in replacement of a corrupt English monarchy with first the Commonwealth of England and then a Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell’s personal rule.
Works by some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists head an interesting and varied art sale.
The pick of the works is Rick Amor’s Man in Landscape bronze, a composition of four integral pieces, the full size version of which was displayed at the 2012 Melbourne Art Fair.
Well known for his paintings, Rick Amor is represented in the National Galleries of both Victoria and Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Other artists to feature include John Firth-Smith (Tim Near Jim Jim), Angela Brennan, Michael Johnson, Robert Klippel and Paul Partos – along with a range of typical works by other Australian painters.
Nora Heyson paintings collected by one of her friends also should attract plenty of buyers.
Several taxidermy items feature in this sale. In recent years, Philips Auctions has built a significant reputation for the quality of the taxidermy items that have gone under the hammer – and this time is no exception.
The two lion cubs should bring plenty of attention, while two lion and leopard skin floor rugs, a turtle and various bird species in a diorama collection under a glass dome also are up for grabs.
Early English and Chinese porcelain is another attraction including Royal Worcester figurines, Flight, Barr & Barr plates and Spode and Wedgewood pieces.
A collection of 19th and 20th century French and English clocks includes three-piece mantel sets and a striking grandfather example.
The furniture on offer includes two English Georgian mahogany secretaires and chairs, English and French display cabinets and a 1958 signed laminex kitchen dresser.
