Christian McCann is over the moon about his latest auction of rare cars and antiques – describing it as the most important sale Australia has seen in many years.

It certainly is impressive, featuring a collection of rare vintage cars, motorcycles and automobile memorabilia along with antique furniture, fine art, porcelain, clocks, Georgian glassware and garden statuary – all housed in a picturesque 11.33-hectare property at 525 Mount Pleasant Road, Research.

A large consignment of impressive wrought iron garden furniture and décor is the highlight of E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming fortnightly auction from 9.30am Tuesday March 6 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The consignment includes a massive iron garden gazebo, iron garden arbors, benches and gates, and wrought iron balustrades and architectural pieces.

Also on offer are wrought iron planters, wrought iron and marble buffets and side tables, large wooden and cast iron courtyard doors, outdoor iron chandeliers and iron and glass lanterns, and wooden plantation shutters.

Sonia Heitlinger first encountered Australian indigenous art in the mid-1980s when she held an exhibition of collaborative paintings by the artists of Yuenduma – followed by an exhibition of batiks and artefacts from Utopia.

The impact was so profound that, after establishing Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne’s CBD in 1990, she continued to support indigenous culture.

When auctioneer Phil Caldwell opened an old cupboard at his latest auction venue – the heritage listed 1874 mansion “Roseneath” at 31 Nepean Highway, Elsternwick – he could not believe his eyes.

There, stashed at the back, was a rare silver emu egg inkstand by German-born silversmith Joachim Wendt (1830-1917), who migrated to Adelaide in 1854.

Scholar, successful businesswoman and in 1977 one of the founders of the Jewish Museum of Australia, the late June Helmer (who died last year aged 95) spared no expense travelling the world to study Jewish art collections and museums.

Her efforts resulted in June becoming the first adviser on the museum’s Australian collections, curator of its first exhibitions and a vital fundraiser.

In doing so, June also built an enviable art and decorative arts collection – to be auctioned from 10am Thursday February 22 through Leonard Joel 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra. 

A fine selection of Georgian furnishings including a coffer, six elm Windsor chairs, an oak Bible box and an impressive kitchen dresser are among highlights for E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming auction from 9.30am Tuesday February 20 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

The furniture range at this auction is comprehensive and includes an Edwardian walnut two-door secretaire bookcase with fitted interior, an early Victorian flame mahogany four-door sideboard and a fine mahogany two-door bookcase.

A Francoise Linke (1855-1946) commode and a bureau-plat by Paul Sormani are highlights of Christian McCann Auctions final sale for 2018 from noon Sunday December 16 at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond.

A leading late 19^th and early 20^th century Parisian cabinetmaker, Linke was born in the small Czech Republic village of Pankraz and in 1875 arrived in Paris.

Six years later, he was supplying for more established furniture makers and, in a time of wealth and confidence in France, set his sights on exhibiting his creations at the 1900 Paris World Fair.

One of the best collections of signed antique French furniture to go to auction in Australia – featuring famous cabinetmakers such as Henry Dasson, Mathieu Befort Jeune, Hippolyte-Edme Pretot and Paul Sormani – will be the highlight of Christian McCann Auctions first sale for 2018 from noon Sunday February 11 at 426 Burnley Street, Richmond in Melbourne.

Henry Dasson (1825-1896) was a renowned 19^th century Parisian maker of gilt-bronze mounted furniture.

A set of stone outdoor tables and chairs from a stately home in Harcourt Street, Hawthorn is among the highlights of E.J. Ainger’s opening auction for 2018. It joins particularly fine items from several Melbourne homes and estates to go under the hammer from 9.30am Tuesday February 6 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Featured items include a strong selection of English and French bookcases including a quality secretaire.

Other furniture items of note include a dining room table, leather top twin pedestal desks and a massive Edwardian sideboard.

A derelict Victorian farm was the perfect setting for long-time collector Daryl Manley to indulge both his love of farming and passion for antiques and collectables.

Over many years, he restored the homestead to its original grandeur – while filling it with antiques both purchased and inherited.

Recently, the entire contents were moved to his art deco Kooyong apartment, El Tovar.