Auction 159 Highlights

Welcome to Smalls Auctions Sale 159.

One of the more remarkable collectors of Australiana who emerged in recent decades was Trevor Kennedy. Kennedy rose to business prominence as the CEO of Consolidated Press owned by media mogul Frank Packer and his heir Kerry before later falling out with the later over a disastrous tilt at the rival Fairfax Publishing Empire.

While at Consolidated Press he is credited with mentoring Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott, two future Liberal Prime Ministers of Australia, as well as Bob Car a Premier of NSW and later the Foreign Minister of Australia.

In his later years Kennedy established a private museum in Sydney’s Rocks District to house his wide-ranging collection of Australiana the core of which was purchased by the Australian Museum in Canberra. In our Sale we have from his collection a 19th Century Gold Changing Machine reputedly from an exclusive Gentleman’s Club which stands as an icon of the power wielded by men behind closed doors.

Also in the Sale is a selection of autographs of British Prime Ministers who in those very smoky halls of power signed off the course of history with the stroke of a pen. There is also a small selection of Russian icons for those who take their lead from a higher being.

There is also a number of gold-related items including fourteen Gold Sovereigns melded into a section of the holding safe recovered from the watery grave of the RMS Duoro which was shipwrecked off Cape Finisterre in 1882. The two phials of unrefined gold-dust on offer were also recovered along with the treasure of 28,000 Gold Sovereigns.

To round off the Sale there is also a strong selection of Jewellery ranging from Rings, Pendants, Bracelets and Earrings.

In the spirit of Trevor Kennedy, we hope you find something of interest to add to your own collection.

Smalls Auctions