In the Decorative Arts auction, a mahogany Bechstein grand piano (Lot 364 ) with a $5000-$10,000 catalogue estimate and a current bid of $5800 at the time of writing, and would be perfect for any aspiring concert pianist.
In the Jewellery Auction, taking place simultaneously with the Decorative Arts sale, are a marquise cut 4.10-carat diamond by Bvlgari with a catalogue estimate of $90,000-$140,000 – and lot 255, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch in everose gold, carries a $40,000-$55,000 estimate.
Among the decorative arts sale are items like a George IV neoclassical sterling silver and crystal centrepiece (Lot 150 ) and a superb Victorian sterling silver grapevine centrepiece (Lot 191 ), which no doubt buyers could strongly consider as suitable Mother’s Day presents.
If Aboriginal art is more appealing, then works by ‘Lofty’ Bardayal Nadjamerrek AO (c1926-2009) and Djardi Ashley (c1950-2007) – might be appropriate gifts.
Unusual furniture items can often make wonderful presents and a fine Empire-style mahogany fauteuil de bureau (Lot 360 ) could be just the item some buyers are looking for, while a camphorwood lined campaign chest of historic interest (Lot 370 ) is not to be ignored in the gift stakes.
The chest was purchased in 1985 from the estate of licensed second hand dealer and pawnbroker Bill Brown who lived in Cannons Creek, Victoria, and originally belonged to Australian pioneer aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
Inside were photos of the Southern Cross and many other items belonging to the aviator. This, of course, was the aircraft which Kingsford Smith established many aviation records (including in May 1928 the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia) before he tragically disappeared at sea in 1935.
Apparently, Brown lent Kingsford Smith money from time to time and the camphorwood chest must have been among items offered as security. It is probable the chest then became Brown’s property after the pilot died.
Brown might have even been a crew member on one of the flights – London to Cape Town – but that has not been verified.
There is no doubt that both sales have plenty to offer buyers with many of the items meeting practical household needs.