Previous News Articles

Woodfull collection a tribute to Australia's finest cricketer

When the definitive history of Australian cricket is finally written, one person will stand above all others as having had the most profound impact on the game as well as on the players under his charge.





Border test bat one-of-a-kind

A Duncan Fearnley ‘The Magnum’ cricket bat used by Allan Border to score 106 in Chennai on September 18th, 1986 is being offered for sale by Leski Auctions. /a>






Rare trade cards from the football's early years

Two exceedingly rare cards from 1906 are being auctioned by Leski Auctions later this month. Both were released by Greathead’s Tonic Medicine and were part of a series on ‘Victorian Footballers’. /a>





Dally messenger cap a rare find

In a rare offering, Dally Messenger’s 1910 Kangaroos Cap will be auctioned by Leski Auctions later this month. The cap in blue and maroon has the initials HH (for his first names Herbert Henry) inside. This is a remarkable item of sporting history with international significance. /a>





Stawell glory one hundred years on

Some of Australia’s greatest sprinters to never have competed at an Olympic Games populate the Hall of Fame of the Stawell Gift, the country’s oldest and richest short distance race. /a>





Rare 19th century atlas literally put Australia on the map

Timing is everything, as they say. Louis-Claude de Saules de Freycinet, an intrepid French sailor, circumnavigated the earth and in 1811 published the first map to show a full outline of the Australian coastline. /a>





History of Tasmania an open (red) book

For nearly 130 years, Tasmanians could rely on the minutia of their communal lives being recorded in the ‘red book’, or more properly known as Walch’s Tasmanian Almanac. /a>





Captain Cook's pistol for sale

For a man who had such a profound effect on the European colonisation of Australia, there is remarkably very little physical evidence of Captain James Cook or his personal possessions. Now, almost 250 years after his death in Hawaii, the early 18th century Continental Flintlock holster pistol will be offered for sale by Leski Auctions of Melbourne under instructions from Mr Walker.





Bradman bat has history

A rare, match-used bat belonging to Sir Donald Bradman is being offered for sale by the descendants of the man who struck gold after a chance encounter with the world’s greatest cricketer.





Charles Darwin on the 'Theory of Collecting'

Controversy courted Charles Darwin during his life but time has done little to diminish the fuss. His ‘Theory of Evolution’ has been both lauded and attacked, making him one of the most influential figures in modern history. Two significant items of memorabilia directly associated with Darwin are being offered for sale by Leski Auctions.





1893 Essendon Football Club season ticket emerges 120 years later

A rare Essendon Football Club Member’s Season Ticket from 1893 has surfaced and will be sold by Leski Auctions later this month. It is a remarkable survivor of the early, rough and tumble years of the local code.





Near miss averted with historic medallions

A fascinating collection of Melbourne Cricket Club medallions from the turn of the century has surfaced after being ‘lost’ in a family shed. The 23 medallions, dating from 1901 to 1924, could bring close to $10,000, not a bad result given that the hessian bag they were in was nearly dumped before the owner realised what was inside.





Two Collingwood love stories

Two lots from the early years of the Collingwood Football Club are special reminders of the men who helped build the club to become one of the greatest and least admired in the Australian Football League.





One of Bradman's best Baggy Greens up for grabs

One of the most important ‘Baggy Greens’ in the history of Australian Test cricket will be offered for sale through Leski Auctions.






Black cloud over the 'Blue Poles'

The decision by the Australian Government to support the purchase of Jackson Pollock’s seminal work ‘Blue Poles’ by the National Gallery of Australia caused a storm of controversy, partly for its record price of $1.3 million and partly because it fanned the flames around the Whitlam Government’s perceived financial ineptitude.





The Ballerina and the Bovver Boy

Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ introduced us to the world of the skinheads; Dame Margot Fonteyn gave new meaning to dance as one of the greatest ballerinas of her generation. Central to both was their footwear, rare examples of which are represented in a fascinating auction to be held in Melbourne on December 18th.





Bradman bat a rare acquisition

Sir Donald Bradman was well aware of the interest in his cricket memorabilia. He was also savvy enough to know the difference in value between team items and those that were his alone.





Dan Kelly’s pistol from the Siege of Glenrowan to fire historic auction

For only the second time since it was acquired in 1900, a pistol belonging to Dan Kelly, Ned’s younger brother, is on the market.





$46,000+ for 1909 footy cards!!!

There was strong room and internet bidding on these very rare 1909 football cigarette cards. Offered in team groupings the cards brought $46,000 including commission. A new Australian record for collector cards.





The good mail on the final flight of the southern cross

Affectionately known as the 'Old Bus', the Southern Cross had become an icon of Australian enterprise and a national treasure by the time Charles Kingsford Smith flew it for the last time on July 18th, 1935.





Olympic torches shine a light on athletic achievement

They say the lights went out in Europe when German forces invaded Poland in 1939. Three years earlier, the lights shone very brightly when the nations of the world united at the Berlin Olympics.





Rumkowski stamps recall a tragic holocaust figure

Enterprising German soldiers were quick to see the value of stamps produced in the Lodz (Litzmannstadt) Ghetto. They acquired large quantities in the hope they would be valuable at war’s end.





Once-in-a-lifetime taxidermy collection for sale

If you love birds but despair of their early morning warbling, you may be interested in a collection of stuffed wildlife to be auctioned in Melbourne later this month.






Golden comfort to more than our olympic athletes

There is a reason why the ultimate medal at the Olympic Games is gold. It is the enduring symbol of achievement. Even within the Olympic movement it was also a symbol of wealth, with the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm being the last time that solid gold medals were issued.





Banking on Bradman

The cricketing exploits of Sir Donald Bradman are legendary, but far less is known about this life away from sport. Now the spotlight is firmly focused on that life with the auction of an archive of Bradman ephemera.

Elegant footballer still singing the 'Blues'

If the Carlton Football Club had a recruitment procedure in 1966, nobody told Ron Barassi. The mercurial captain-coach took one look at Ian ‘Robbo’ Robertson and signed the 20 year-old on the spot. It was the beginning of an eight year career with the ‘Blues’ that included one of its most successful on-field periods. Click here to read more







Preaching to the convicted: A remarkable bushranger story

Although the Captain Moonlight (aka Moonlite) story has never eclipsed that of the Kelly Gang, he was undoubtedly a more charismatic figure who believed in the separation of Church and State (in this case, aiding one by relieving the other of money!) He was executed at Darlinghurst Gaol in January 1880. Click here to read more







Goldfields ring first of its kind

Much has been written about the Victorian goldfields and its impact on the course of Australian history, but little is publicly known about the gold jewellery that was created by local artisans who were arguably the forerunners of a burgeoning new Australian industry Click here to read more







Sport and politics in olympic mix

A fascinating collection of Olympic memorabilia including items from the infamous 1936 Berlin Games reminds us how difficult it is to keep politics out of sport. Click here to read more







Unique Qantas cover sees 'Light of Day' for the first time

The cover dated November 5th, 1922 is addressed to Dr F.A.Hope Michod who was Deputy Chairman of Directors of Qantas. The endorsement reads “By the first aerial mail going south from Winton.” Click here to read more







Paintings that carry a punch

Bryan Membrey is a knock-about bloke with a special gift. As a boxer, Bryan had a pretty good win-loss ratio, putting two men on the canvas in 20 professional bouts. But it’s what he did with the canvas after hanging up his gloves that he will mostly likely be remembered for. Click here to read more







Gold nuggets shine in forthcoming auction

Australia’s tourism leaders may pray for many things, but top of their wish-list would be a gold rush to rival the 19th century. While that won’t happen any time soon, there may be a rush of sorts when a horde of gold nuggets come up for auction in Melbourne next week. Click here to read more







Remarkable clocks have an automotive pedigree

Many clocks claim to be the 'Rolls Royce' of timepieces, but only two were reportedly made in the Rolls Royce factory! Click here to read more







Never before seen 'Baggy Green' from the 'Invincibles' period for sale

As a cricketer, Ron Hamence had a wonderful voice. This is how some remembered the ‘Invincibles’ batsman whose early form in domestic first class cricket wasn’t realised through his three Test appearances for Australia during Sir Donald Bradman’s reign. Click here to read more







Sound advice on historic Trans-Pacific flight

When James Warner was born, wireless telegraphy (aka radio) was four years old. When he died nearly 80 years later, radio had become one of the most significant and intrusive parts of our social, commercial, industrial and political lives. Click here to read more







Australian decimal banknote design

A folio of illustrations and documents has been placed onto the market by Leski Auctions on the 20th of September 2011. The folio was offered from the estate of Bruce Weatherhead. It contained original preliminary drawings for the design of the 1995 $50 note. Click here to read more







Golden era revived with sale of iconic nugget

Sold for $51,000
Gold was discovered at the foot of Mt Bealiba in 1856. The sleepy hamlet, 220 kms north-west of Melbourne, surged to a population of 12,000 within a matter of weeks. Eighteen months later most had departed in search of richer pickings. It was as if the strike never happened. Click here to read more







Humour shines in ill-fated polar expedition

Chocolate, of all things, came to symbolise one aspect of Robert Scott’s ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica in 1911. Unfortunately, Scott didn’t live to enjoy the humour of his senior geologist, Griffith Taylor. Click here to read more







Posters reveal humour as a weapon of war

No-one doubts that war leaves little room for humour, so to have governments employ it as propaganda is, well, funny! A set of seven posters from the Second World War is also fascinating for another reason. The artists are Russian but the printer is English and the text is multilingual, proving that the alliance between the Allies operated successfully at the grass roots. Click here to read more







Two Brownlows for sale; one remarkable ideal

In 1924, Chas Brownlow died leaving behind a grieving family and a grateful football code. He was arguably a better administrator of the game than a footballer, but history has largely forgotten both. Instead it remembers him for something he never lived to see – the naming of the most important award of any sporting code anywhere in the world. Click here to read more







The John Konrads Collection for Sale

While many new immigrants to Australia express a desire to give back to their adopted country, few have ever reciprocated to the same extent as John Konrads.
The Latvian kid who arrived here in 1949 at the age of seven would, seven years later, become Australia’s youngest male Olympian. Click here to read more






Trailblazing Aussie Athlete's Sporting History For Sale

It is a testament to her sporting prowess that Australian athlete Pam Kilborn-Ryan was selected in 1970 to be the first woman to carry the Australian flag at the opening ceremony of a Commonwealth Games. Her achievements are recorded in a remarkable collection of sporting memorabilia to be sold for the first time by Leski Auctions. Click here to read more







Hats off to Bradman!

Sir Donald Bradman is one of only four players in Test cricket to score 300 or more runs in a single innings on more than one occasion. One of these milestones was recorded in the 4th Test at Headingley during the 1934 Ashes series against England. Click here to read more







Thommo's medal to test market again

More than a decade ago, Len Thompson's Brownlow Medal captured headlines when the Collingwood champ decided he would be the first medallist to auction the game's most prestigous trophy. Now that medal will be auctioned for the second time. It is the centerpiece of the Leski Auctions sale on the 30th of March. Click here to read more







Brushfield premiership medal on sale

As AFL teams Geelong and St Kilda gear up for this weekend's grand final clash, a memorabilia medal from a much earlier Geelong premiership is going on sale. The 1925 premiership medal of Geelong player Nick Brushfield is being auctioned this week. Click here to read more







Common 'touch' behind royal autographs

Sex has been to the British royal family what rorting has been to Melbourne Storm. Neither is keen to publicise it but both are defined by it. Think of Edward and Wallis, Charles and Diana or Phillip and…well, anybody! and you can’t help feeling that there’s more to life ‘upstairs’ than we know. Click here to read more









Take the train with CLA

Charles Leski Auctions has built a fine reputation for buying and selling top quality railway collectibles. We are currently offering a prestigious deceased estate, consisting of material, mainly from NSW, but with a smattering of interesting Victorian items. The collection includes rarely seen material. It is suspected that the original collector utilised a number of in-house railway sources, thus giving him access to material not available on the open market. Many of the pieces being offered are unique or rare. Click here to read more









Art roadshow unearths Streeton classic

An antiques roadshow through Tasmania has unearthed a painting by Australian artist Arthur Streeton.
Charles Leski of Leski Auctions this year started conducting travelling roadshows where people present their treasures for valuation, similar to television versions of the concept. Click here to read more









Treat for cricket tragics

In these days of the Twenty20 Big Bash, there are still some cricket enthusiasts more fascinated by the results of the Australian tour of England in 1893. Full scores, bowling summaries and expert analysis of all matches played that year are to be found in vintage copies of Wisden, still considered the world's most authoritative cricket publication. Click here to read more









Charles Leski at the North Pole

Been trying to contact Charles Leski recently? Wondering why your calls have not been returned? Charles has just returned from a 3 week adventure at the North Pole. Click here to read more









More gold in olympic medals than meets the eye

Winning in Olympic competition is a feat reserved for the elite few. Of those, fewer still become enduring symbols of the Olympic ideal. One such athlete is Australian Paralympian Sue Ellen Lovett. Click here to read more









Coat of arms strikes gold amid the chaos

In 1855 the first Royal Mint to be established outside of England was opened in Sydney, four years after the gold rush began in NSW. It took very little time for the world’s attention to focus on this outpost of the British Empire, bringing all manner of men on a variety of missions to the goldfields. Click here to read more









The Ross Smith Stamp & its Postal History

Introducing the complete and definitive reference guide, years in the making. 140 pages, fully illustrated in landscape format for easy reference. Much previously unpublished information, rarity, pricing, statistical analysis and historical background and documentation. Every known cover, stamp, letter and forgery.
Please complete the included form and return to us, secure your copy today of this limited print edition. Click here to download the order form









Goldfields auction a rare offering of historic memorabilia

Imagine finding a map with a miner's hand-written notes revealing the location of El Dorado, the famed 'Lost City of Gold'? It's the stuff of legend that has inspired intrepid adventurers since the 16th century.
Click here to read more









Kingsford Smith stamps fetch $6,500

A set of stamps featuring Australia's most famous aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith has sold for $6,500 at auction in Melbourne. In 1931, Sir Charles became the first living Australian to feature on a postage stamp. Click here to read more







Stamps & Postal History For Sale

Australian, British Commonwealth & World Stamps & Postal History
Over 1000 items from $10 to $12,500 available for immediate sale on a first-come-first-served basis. There is only ONE OF EACH ITEM so don't delay!
View Sale List







Exciting News: Brownlow Medal Sells before Auction

We are delighted to announce the sale of Verdun Howell’s Brownlow medal to the St. Kilda Football Club. This iconic and important medal was handed over today (June 26th 2009) following negotiations between the club, Leski Auctions and the Howell family. The transaction was negotiated at $57,500. Click here to read more








Visitor's book from iconic music program - SOLD

The ABC television program ‘Countdown’ was not only a child of its generation but the father of the next. Some of the greatest stars of the contemporary music scene were influenced by the people who drove their parents wild. A large format visitor’s autograph book (measuring 29 x 22 cm) from the ‘Countdown’ program will be offered for sale by Leski Auctions next month. Dating from the 1970s when the television program was at the peak of its success, it comprises more than 200 autographs of both local and international artists. Click here to read more

Rare Brownlow Medal Sold

In the 85-year history of the Brownlow Medal, arguably Australia’s greatest sporting tribute, only three medals have been sold to the public. These belonged to Len Thomson (1972), Fred Goldsmith (1955) and Edward 'Carji' Greeves (1924, the first year it was awarded). Leski Auctions will be offering Verdun Howells Brownlow in the June Sporting Memorabilia sale. Click here to read more

The Story Behind The Victor Trumper Bronze - Lot 31

Victor Trumper was the greatest batsman of Australian Cricket's golden age, some would say the greatest of all time. The bronze is based on George Beldam's powerful photographic image of the 25-year old Trumper leaping out to drive in his inimitably aggressive, yet dynamically elegant style, during an interval of the Australia v. Surrey game at Kennington Oval, London, on the historic 1902 tour. This is the first opportunity, 84 years after his untimely death at the age of 38, for present generations to appreciate a three dimensional representation (life and a quater) of Victor Trumper.Click here to read more

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FORGED STAMP FOR SALE

Stamp aficionados may seem like a benign bunch, but underneath the cashmere cardigans can beat a heart of rolled gold villainy. There have been many rare stamps forged, mostly to defraud unsuspecting dealers and collectors. In 2007, Christie’s devoted an entire auction to the forgeries of one of the most famous offenders, an Italian by the name of Jean Sperati. Click here to read more

Phar Lap bridle an auction gem

A RARE souvenir from arguably Australia's greatest racehorse is up for grabs, with Phar Lap's racing bridle to be auctioned off next week.
And a remarkable peek at the workings of an Olympic Village will be revealed, when photographs, letters and archival material collated and kept by the mayor of Melbourne's 1956 Olympic Village also go under the hammer. Auctioneer Charles Leski said the simple bridle and bit belonging to Phar Lap's jockey, Jim Pike, would attract a lot of interest because it was rare for items associated with the track legend to be on the market. Click here to read more

Rare Melbourne scroll fetches $75,500 at auction

A rare 19th century scroll depicting Melbourne has sold for $75,500 after it was almost thrown out with the rubbish.
A buyer paid more than 60 per cent above the estimated price for the water and pencil work by an unknown artist when it went under the hammer at Leski Auctions in Melbourne last night. Leski art consultant John Albrecht said the vendor brought some artwork in for valuation, but did not think the scroll was worth showing.
"He said it was destined for the rubbish bin before Charles Leski intervened," Mr Albrecht said. Click here to read more

Bradman cap tipped to break auction record

FIVE years ago, the $250,000 Tim Serisier won on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire allowed him an indulgence he'd only ever dreamed about. Now he feels it's time someone else took on the burden, and so Australia's most iconic item of sporting memorabilia is about to go under the hammer.
The auctioneer Charles Leski admits the vendor's timing could be better, but has still placed an estimated price of $600,000 to $750,000 on the baggy green cap worn by Don Bradman on the 1948 "Invincibles" Ashes tour.
Click here to read more

Loxton's baggy green cap up for bids

The baggy green cap of 1948 Invincible Sam Loxton will go under the auctioneer's hammer next month, with estimates it will fetch up to $30,000. Loxton was a part of Sir Don Bradman's Invincibles lineup that went through the 1948 tour of England undefeated. The Australian cap worn by him on the famed tour will be offered for sale at Leski Auctions in Melbourne on November 5. Auctioneer Charles Leski said Loxton was a youngster on the 1948 tour and his aggressiveness as a batsman and belligerence in the field compensated for his lack of style. Mr Leski said Australia's wicketkeeper Don Tallon even complained about Loxton's fierce throws when the batsmen were already home. "A baggy green from the Invincibles era is rarely offered for sale," Mr Leski said. "To possess one from the dream team that humiliated the English is considered a jewel in the crown, especially on the 60th anniversary of that remarkable tour - that's why this baggy green is so highly prized."

Richie Benaud's baggy green up for bids

A coveted baggy green cap belonging to former Australian Test cricket captain Richie Benaud is expected to fetch up to $25,000 at an auction next month. Benaud captained Australia from 1958 for 28 Tests and earned the reputation of never losing a Test series. The cap is being offered for sale by Leski Auctions in Melbourne on November 5. It is expected to sell for between $20,000 and $25,000. Auctioneer Charles Leski said Benaud was one of the few sporting greats in Australia to carve out an international career as a broadcaster. "He is arguably the most influential person in world cricket, not only as an inspirational player and leader but through his work as a commentator for the Nine Network and the BBC." Baggy green caps belonging to Sam Loxton, Mark Waugh and Geoff Marsh will also be offered for sale at the auction. The following day the same auction house will sell a 120-year-old ticket from the first international rugby union match, between England and NSW as well as an Olympic torch from the 1956 Melbourne Games.

Bradman's first Test bat to be auctioned

The first cricket bat used by Sir Donald Bradman in his remarkable Test career will be auctioned off in Melbourne later this month.

The bat did not see much action in that first Test, but is expected to fetch up to $120,000.

Bradman was dropped after an inauspicious debut in which he scored 18 and one in Australia's 675-run thrashing by England in the first Test in Brisbane in 1928-29.
Click here to read more

International Media Coverage of Next Leski Auction

News of the Marilyn Monroe footage has spread across the globe. The Monroe news has been translated into many languages and interest continues to grow for our September auctions.

More hotly anticipated items include Don Bradman's First Test Bat, the Harold & Zara Holt collection and archive, 5 Baggy Green cricket caps, Dally Messenger's 1910 cap, jewellery, Herbert Ponting photograph and much more..
Click here to read more

Rare Marilyn Monroe Footage Surfaces in Melbourne

A remarkable 2 1/2 minute amateur film of screen goddess, Marilyn Monroe, has surfaced almost 50 years after it was presumed lost. The 8mm film is still in its original Kodak box and includes candid images on the set of "Some Like It Hot", which the American Film Institute listed as the greatest American comedy film of all time. It was directed by Billy Wilder and starred Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The footage, featuring Monroe, Wilder and Curtis, was taken in early 1959 by a young naval officer when Monroe visited his base in San Diego. Later that day he was invited by Monroe to visit the set at the nearby Hotel Del Coronado.
Click here to read more

Lillee's cap could fetch $20,000

STAR Perth cricketer Dennis Lillee's Baggy Green cap is tipped to attract bids of up to $20,000 when it is auctioned at Leski's later this month. Lillee was regarded as the outstanding fast bowler of his generation and his record haul of 355 Test wickets places him among the all-time greats of cricket.
The one record that still endures is his partnership with wicket keeper, Rod Marsh. The scorecard entry "c Marsh b Lillee" appeared 95 times in Tests, a partnership record between wicketkeeper and bowler that ranks ahead of Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath.
Courtesy: PerthNow Click here to read more

Faulty stamp sells for $29,125

A recently discovered rare 1913 Australian stamp of a kangaroo and map of Australia will be auctioned tonight in Melbourne.
The stamp, which would normally fetch less than $1,000 at auction is special because of a printing fault.
The stamp has a doubling of the frame plate, visible in the top and upper left.

Courtesy: ABC News Click here to read more

Allan Border’s baggy green to go under hammer

One of Australia’s most famous baggy green cricket caps is up for auction. Allan Border’s cap is expected to reach more than $20,000 when it goes under the hammer as one of five baggy greens up for grabs at Leski Auctions in Hawthorn later this month. It is believed to be the first-ever Border baggy green to go on sale. The cap is among more than $30,000 worth of memorabilia – including a signed bat and other caps and shirts – once owned by one of Australia’s most distinguished cricket captains. The collection is owned by Keith Attree, a former long-time room attendant at the WACA in Perth, who is now in his 70s.
Courtesy: Herald Sun Click here to read more

Phar Lap tonic diary sells for $37k

Phar Lap died in the United States in 1932. Harry Telford's tonic recipe book documents the treatments given to the horse. It appears to back up the theory that Phar Lap was accidentally poisoned by an arsenic-laced tonic given to him by his handler, Tommy Woodcock. Auctioneer Charles Leski says the potions included other ingredients like strychnine, cocaine and caffeine. "It certainly explains many decades later why there was so much poison arsenic, primarily in the great Phar Lap at the time he died," he said. The diary has been purchased by Melbourne Museum.
Courtesy, ABC News Click here to read more

Phar Lap's Secret Tonic

A piece of memorabilia that may support the theory Phar Lap accidentally died of arsenic poisoning will go under the hammer at Leski Auctions this month.
A notebook containing horse recipes in trainer Harry Telford's handwriting is to be auctioned on the 23rd of April. read more ...

Eustis Results Sky High

The Nelson Eustis collection went under the hammer on the 31st of March 2008. With pre-sale estimates of over $350,000, this sale was always expected to reach lofty heights. read more ...

Railway Memorabilia

Charles Leski Auctions (CLA) has built up a reputation as a top seller of railway collectibles. Auction No.316, to be conducted in early December 2007, will contain a wide and varied range of material from a number of important collectors, including the late Travis Jeffrey who probably had Australia's finest collection of tickets (particularly tram and bus tickets) and especially ticket machines. read more ...

Auction 316: Aussie Rules Records fall at Leski’s December auction

It was like a Grand Final. The cricket lots had been sold and the room filled with Australian Rules enthusiasts waiting for play to start:
Lot 880, the 1864 Geelong Membership ticket. Sold for $3495 (including premium).
A new record for an Australian Membership ticket.
Lot 881, the 1866 four-page version of the Victorian Rules of Football. Sold for $4075. [Estimate: $500 - $1000].
Lots 883-890, circa 1905 “Valentines” postcards of the VFL Teams: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne & St. Kilda. Sold for $12,465.
[Estimate: $900 - $1200].
Smashing the records for Australian postcards at Auction!
Lot 895, an original 1965 Essendon “Weg” poster. Sold for $2445. [Estimate: $500 - $600].
Lot 898, Ted Whitten’s Footscray No.3 Jumper. Sold for $17,475. [Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000].
A new record for an Aussie Rules jumper at Auction!

World of Cricket

In April 2007 Charles Leski Auctions packaged the Oakley collection of cricket memorabilia for auction in Melbourne. Here are some pictures of the amazing collection, all material will be presented for sale in our sports and general memorabilia auctions.
read more ...

Douglas Thompson - Photographer

Thompson trained as a photographer in South Port Studio at the age of 17. RAAF photographer 1950-56 inc 3 ½ years as instructor at RAAF School of Photography. We are delighted to offer some of Thompsons works in auction 311.
read more ...

Julian Oakley 1953-2007: A cricketer's life

The cricket community was shocked and saddened to hear of the recent death of Julian Oakley, cricketer, businessman and life-long cricket enthusiast.
read more ...

Ray's boxing collection a knockout

Boxer, writer, referee, trainer, actor, promoter, contributor to hundreds of boxing books and magazines, T.V. personality, speaker and lecturer and the man responsible for the bulk of the boxing material in our latest auction. read more ...

Incredible early Australian Entertainment Posters discovered

Recently discovered in a warehouse in Sydney, we are delighted to be offering this remarkable hoard of early Australian Entertainment posters. Nearly 30 unique pieces from the earliest days of cinema in this country - a time when a silent short was considered a curiosity and was always part of a vaudeville or variety production. In 1907, a hundred years ago, no one thought moving pictures would last long as a medium of entertainment or information. These wonderful posters give a graphic insight to the time - the subjects, the events, the performers and the locations. Arts & Entertainment historian, Peter Sumner, has provided us with the following appraisal of the collection, which forms part of a much larger offering of Movie, Magic & Entertainment memorabilia to be offered in our May 17th public auction. read more ...

Cricket collection on display

CLA is pleased to announce that we are currently showing a philatelic exhibit 'work-in-progress' towards an Open Class exhibit of cricket memorabilia which comprises both philatelic and non-philatelic material. read more ...

Results Highlight: Cricket prices hit 'out of the ground'

The Leski Cricket Sale of December 6th & 7th has buyers and sellers smiling happily, some a little confused, and others commenting on the new standards set by these auctions. read more ...

Media Release: Cricket Auction sets new Australian Record

This auction took a year to assemble with over 1,000 lots being sourced from every cricketing nation. It includes memorabilia dating from the 1820s to the present day covering every type of cricket played from Ashes and Test cricket to One Day Internationals and World Series Cricket, the rebel tours of South Africa and exhibition matches played at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in the 1860s. read more ...

Cricket Auction Highlight: The World of Cricket / Ashes Tests

Our December cricket auctions stretch across two days and will feature many remarkable items, many never seen before. Some highlights include: Australian and English Test caps, numerous match used bats including Trumper & Bradman, original letters, documents and photographs, the Keith Miller collection, the Paul Reiffel collection, and many other fine properties. read more ...

Auction 297 Highlight: The Science Fiction 'Pulp' - A brief history

We are delighted to be offering an extensive library of science fiction pulps in our November public auction - more than 1500 unique titles. A fantastic collection of pulp era collectable science fiction material.
read more ...

Herald Sun (21/11/06): Sold - To the man in the Baggy Green

The Charles Leski Auctions cricket memorabilia sale has attracted much attention, here is today's Melbourne Herald Sun article featuring Keith Stackpole.
read more ...

Auction 296 Highlight: Michael Barden’s Belgium Collection

The Michael Barden collection ranges from the 1680s to the 1990s and, though basically traditional, shows a strong emphasis on postal history.
read more ...

Auction 295 Highlight: Le Mans Memorabilia on the Starting Grid

With 150 lots up for sale – comprising books, posters, programs, tickets, limited edition prints and thousands of photographs covering the history of the famous race – it is arguably the largest collection of its type ever assembled in Australia.
read more ...

Auction 295 Highlight: Wine, Bats & Federation - an auction with the lot!

What does Grange Hermitage, Australia’s Federation, a cricket bat from the infamous Bodyline series and Winston Churchill’s autograph have in common? They’re all for sale at Charles Leski Auctions later this month.
read more ...

Matchbox Label Collection on Display

We are pleased to be displaying at Cato Street the matchbox label collection of leading collector David Figg. Entitled “Strike a Light!” the award winning collection is an insight into the world of Phillumeny.
read more ...

Auction 293 Highlight: Meet the Collector

If Napoleon is correct, “glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.” It’s difficult to know what drives a person to seek fame, but whatever it is Alfred Goldschlager has been waiting patiently in the wings for the better part of the 20th century to record their moment of glory.
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Auction 293 Highlight: Signing your way into History

Remember the good old days when an autograph meant something? When you actually met the person ‘in the flesh’, the same person who shaped history and whose legacy continues to resonate? Welcome to the world of Alfred Goldschlager..
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Auction 293 Highlight: Cap Recalls Bradman's Worst Day at the Crease

If not for Eric Hollies, widely regarded as the most incompetent English batsman in the modern era, the ABC’s post office box would have been 100 (or 1,000 or 10,000). Eric who?...
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Material from Deceased Estates

One of the more unusual sections of sale 265 comprises 30 lots from the “Michael Davies” collection of Great Britain, which tells the story of the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley Stadium in London during the summers of 1924 & 1925. read more ...

Views of early Sydney

For the first time since the 1980s, there is an opportunity to purchase a remarkable set of views of early Sydney. In 1843, artist George Edwards Peacock (1806-1890) was commissioned by the owner of ‘Craigend’, a mansion in Darlinghurst, to paint six views of, and from, the house.
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Historic Photography

There's a new wave of interest in historic photography. Auction prices have surged recently for old photographs, but not any old photographs. Naturally enough, Australasian subjects are the most sought after, but quality photographs of the 19th and early 20th century are generally in demand.
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Charles Leski - SMH Article

Thirty-two years ago, Charles Leski, 52, decided to transform his stamp collection hobby into a career by opening a stamp auction business. read more ...

Railway Lots in Auction 263

We are currently preparing Auction 263 which will be conducted on 15th May 2005. All lots are made up of material that have never been offered before. There's still plenty of material from the huge Norm De Pomeroy collection but there's also many lots from other clients, old and new. This article features the TOP TEN HIGHLIGHTS from this upcoming auction. read more ...

Steve Waugh Memorabilia

An Australian baggy green cap once belonging to legendary Steve Waugh is soon to be auctioned in Melbourne. Described as one of cricket's ultimate collectibles, the cap was presented by Waugh to long-time "roomie" at the West Australian Cricket Association, Londoner Keith Attree. read more ...

Thailand Philately

Remarkable results at the "Thailand Stamps & Postal History" auction at Leski's on March 21st suggest that the centre of Thai philately might have moved South to Melbourne. Although there were few bidders in the room, the phones were running hot, and more than 80 bidsheets had been received from absentee bidders.
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Remarkable New Rail Find

Auction No.260 on 6th April 2005, will include some hundreds of new lots from the Norm De Pomeroy railway collection, including a remarkable find which may change some aspects of Victoria's known railway history! We are offering 72 lots containing thousands of record cards from Newport Workshops which record all the repairs carried out on steam locos., boilers and brakes. read more ...

Kevin Ryan MAP

The philatelic life of Kevin Ryan was highlighted by extensive service to organised philately and the formation of a significant and extensive collection of Thailand, In particular, he was renowned for his research into the Lithographed Surcharges of Siam 1914-1916. His collection was widely exhibited and was the basis for his published Research Study in 1993. read more ...

The Francis Kiddle Collection

Postal fiscals and revenue stamps were once consigned to the classification of 'Back of the Book' indicating a lowly status to these fascinating issues. The other popular description of Cinderellas gave a understated picture of stamps that were all produced for a serious purpose. Today they deservedly belong to their own official FIP class as Revenues. read more ...

Two Greats of the Game

Richie Benaud and South Africa's Eddie Barlow were two of cricket's greatest all-rounders.They played against each other in just one series, 1963/64 in Australia.Benaud was one of Australia's finest captains, losing only four matches out of 27. read more ...

Important Tolkien Letter

A highly significant letter by J.R.R.Tolkien is to be offered on February 10th 2005 at Leski Auctions.
Tolkien (1892-1973) is of course famous for "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" in which he conjures up an imaginary world, Middle Earth, peopled by elves and other creatures. After a great revival in the 60s, Tolkien has found vast new audiences today, not least through the cinema. "Lord of the Rings" has been a stunning success worldwide. This letter, written in Tolkien's distinctive rune-like style, refers directly to "Lord of the Rings". read more ...

Awards for Excellence

Charles Leski Auctions are proud to have received two awards for excellence in 2004 from the Australasian Philatelic Traders' Association Inc. We received the runner-up award in the Philatelic Publication of the Year category, for our publication "Australian Air Mail Labels and Vignettes 1920-1960 - The Tom Frommer Collection" as well as runner-up in the Auction Catalogue of the Year category for the April 2004 Aerophilately Sale. read more ...

Bradman Sale Magic

Celebrity wedding invitations are often fought over, but not usually long after the event. So a 72-year-old invitation was unusually contested when fierce counterbidding took place at an auction held by Charles Leski Auctions in its rooms in Melbourne on November 8. read more ...

A tale of courage amid the icebergs

A rare first edition of British explorer and sealer James Weddell's A Voyage Towards the South Pole printed in 1825, will be among the books, maps, art, collectible cameras and wine for sale from 7.30 Monday by Charles Leski Auctions at 13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East. The book is an account of Weddell's voyage from 1822-24 to the Antarctic seas as far south as 74 degrees-further than any previous explorer had been. No other sailor was to visit the region again until 1911, when Wilhelm Filchner discovered the ice shelf that now bears Weddell's name. read more ...

Fine Art at Leski's
NOV 12 2004

The Most Interesting Auction House in Australia. Auction 249 on 22nd November, viewing from Wednesday 17th November. Works by Charles Blackman, Jeffrey Smart, De Maistre, Counihan,Anne-Marie Graham, Pro Hart, G.F.Gregory, H.J.Johnstone,Sid Long, Jeff Makin, Albert Namatjira,Tom Roberts, Robert Prenzel, David Rankin, Victor Rubin, "Chopper" Read,Tim Storrier, Taylor-Ghee, Charles Wheeler and many others. Also rare books, cameras and fine wines.

Australian Story : In Realms of Gold

Shirley Strickland De La Hunty was Australia's golden girl of the track, loved and honoured all over the world as a multi Olympic medallist and world record holder. She was also beautiful, a brilliant scientist, and an innovative coach. She competed in three Olympics and still holds the record for the most medals ever worn by an Australian track and field athlete. read more ...

Fans vie for old news

Slabs of newsprint are not usually easy to sell. But when one such, albeit finely bound, came up at a sporting auction by Charles Leski Auctions in Melbourne on September 22, it set off a bidding scrum. read more ...

Australia's Master Carver

Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) was arguably Australia's greatest woodcarver. Certainly his prices in the saleroom attest to that. He arrived in Melbourne on the steamer "Habsburg" on the 24th November 1888. A photo of that year shows a clean-cut young gent about to set forth on his fine career. read more ...

Mexican Engravings

The European conquest of the New World began in the Fifteenth Century. Yet printing had barely been discovered. Late medieval communications were primitive compared with seafaring skills. How could an isolated, fragmented peninsula such as Europe cope with the flood of new information from alien lands? The answer was "not well at all." read more ...

Real Estate Posters

The empheral is not supposed to last. Not designed to last. In the world of collectables, "ephemera" refers to anything that, by rights, should not have survived. When ephemera does survive, it is remarkable. Of course mere survival doesn't guarantee collectability, but it's a necessary if not a sufficient condition of collectability. read more ...

Art Consultant joins CLA
AUG 04 2004

A new member of staff has joined us at CLA. Frank Campbell was for twenty-six years an academic historian. He has specialised exclusively in fine art for the past ten years. Expert in Australian, NZ, British and European paintings and prints. Available for valuations, conservation advice, and research preparatory to auctions.

Auction Viewing Venues
AUG 24 2004

Viewing of selected lots at Singapore 04 World Stamp Championships - Suntec City:
Saturday 28th August - Monday 1st September
Viewing of selected lots at Swan River Stamp Show, Fremantle:
Thursday 9th Sept. - Sunday 12th September

The Railway Age

The Railway Age ran from 1850 until 1914 when WWI and road trasport took the steam out of it.. Railway mania might be more accurate. During this period, more than half of all public capital was spent on railways, more than all other expenditures combined... read more ...

Selling The Empire

The vastness of the British Empire is hard to grasp today. In its heyday,a quarter of the world map was coloured red. The Empire was still intact and relatively undamaged after WWI, but challenges were multiplying. The USA and Japan were expanding their influence. Britain, savaged by the war, had to make the Empire pay. read more ...

Railway Memorabilia sets Records

Record results were achieved at the first dedicated auction of railway memorabilia held by Charles Leski Auctions in Melbourne last weekend. More than 400 people packed the Hawthorn auction house.
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Lieut.Shackleton's British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909

An official cover dated February 3rd 1908 from the well known geologist Edgeworth David to his wife in Australia, franked King Edward VII Land 1d tied by 'BRITISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION' circular date stamp.
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St.Helena "Tristan Relief Fund Surcharges

Issued in 1961 to raise funds for the Tristan Islanders following the volcanic eruption & subsequent evacuation of their island, this complete set of four stamps on souvenir postcard has been postmarked on ...
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Norman De Pomeroy 1929 - 2002

Norman De Pomeroy was an ordinary man with an extraordinary passion. When he died, he left a remarkable collection of railway memorabilia that is the envy of anyone with even a passing interest in our railway heritage. read more ...

Record Price for Norfolk Island Postal History

A world record price was achieved at the sale of the Norfolk Island Postal History item, #924 in our Stamps and Postal History (233) sale. The item sold for A$30,000 (inc. premium).
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Phar Lap's Saddle

Phar Lap's saddle, used by jockey Bill Elliot was available in our recent Sports and General Memorabilia auction. Sold for A$87,000 (inc. premium). read more ...

Interesting Lots from Sport & General Sale

View the highlights of our previous auction 232 for Sport & General Memorabilia.
Results Highlights:
#273 1934 Don Bradman Bat: A$49,000 (inc. premium)
#607 Phar Lap's Horseshoe: A$8,700 (inc. premium)
#301 1948 Lindsay Hassett Test Blazer: A$7,000 (inc. premium) read more ...

The Genesis of the Frank Stamp

A unique & highly important historical document from the 'Hans Karman' International Gold Medal Collection of Australian Privileged Mail was offered in Sale 233 on 25th March...
Sold for A$6,400 (inc. premium) read more ...

Australian Air Mail Catalogue

Order our new comprehensive and full colour priced catalogue of Australian Air Mail labels and vignettes from Aeropex. Order online now! read more ...

Terra Nova Envelope & Letter

Rare 1912 envelope & letter written on board "Terra Nova" by Griffith Taylor, who accompanied Captain Scott on his last British Antarctic Expedition...
Sold for A$5,500 (inc. premium) read more ...

Australian Escapes from Shipwreck!

These two real photo postcards depict the wreck of the White Star Line ship "SUEVIC" which became stranded near Cornwall on March 17th 1907
Sold for A$5,500 (inc. premium) read more ...

Ansett memorabilia takes off

Last night's auction was the first of two. Among more than 200 items were 40 model aeroplanes that aircraft manufacturers painted in Ansett livery and sent to Sir Reginald to lure him into buying their machines.
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Ansett Memorabilia flies into unchartered territory

Since the collapse of the Ansett empire in March, 2002 virtually no memorabilia from this venerable institution has been offered for public sale. It has been generally agreed that after 70 years there is a treasure trove of documents, letters, photographs, clothing and aircraft models spanning the golden age of Australia’s aviation.. read more ...

ADEN - KGVI and QEII Collection

Gary Brown, has for over 30 years collected all philatelic material concerning the British Colony of Aden. Gary’s exhibits include his International Gold Postal History exhibit of Aden; a 3 frames exhibit of Aden Meters; a recent Mecca entry at Canberra 2006 of South Arabian Federation and the exhibit on display here at Charles Leski Auctions, the stamps of Aden from 1937 to 1965.. read more ...

Antarctic heat at Leski’s March auctions

The two day sale at Charles Leski Auctions in Melbourne on March 28th & 29th produced some remarkable results. Several world-record prices were achieved. The sales covered many collecting fields but it was Antarctic-related material which generated the most heat, with room buyers competing with absentee and phone bidders.. read more ...

NSW Gold Medal Postal Stationery

New South Wales is acknowledged as producing the first postal stationery when in 1838 the embossed letter sheets were issued to the public.. read more ...


Featured Lot: 'Spirit Of Progress' Artwork.

The large, hand-painted Percy Trompf poster of Victoria's prestige train, the Spirit of Progress, that once graced Spencer Street station is to be offered as part of rail auction No.283. In November 1937, iconic Victorian Railways Commissioner Harold Clapp, introduced one of Australia's best loved trains, the Spirit of Progress, which operated from Spencer Street to Albury. read more ...

Record Price for "Convict Era Relics"

One of the best preserved shirts from the convict era will stay in Australia following its purchase in Melbourne last night by the Canberra-based National Museum of Australia. The shirt, which is believed to date from the 1830s, was the centerpiece of a six item collection which was found in Granton, Tasmania in the early 1960s. read more ...

Rocket Mail collection on display at Leski's

Rocket Mail was first exhibited in 1933 during the famous WIPA show held in Vienna. A set of exhibition labels that show The History of Mail Transport in a block of ten, ends with a typical mail rocket of the time. A Rocket Mail exhibit may be shown in both Aero- and Astrophilately at FIP Exhibitions, since items were flown and items relate to the development of Space Flight. read more ...

Featured Lots: Convicts & Kissworld

Highlights of this auction include one of the most significant groups of historical artefacts we have offered. We are honoured to have been entrusted with the opportunity to research, describe and present for sale this historic hoard.. read more ...

The Ultimate Gift for Collectors

In response to several requests, we have designed and made available a range of gift certificates in A$50, A$100 and A$250 denominations. These can be purchased at any time by visiting us in Cato Street, or over the phone; you can even order yours on our website or by mail. Gift Certificates Order Form

Sports auction brings record online listeners

Live coverage of the Sports & General Memorabilia auction last night contributed to another record month of online listening to the CLA Auction Webcast system, as desk-bound sports fans kept up-to-date with the nights progress. read more ...

The Rick Darling Collection

A highlight of our October Sports Sale is the Rick Darling collection. Rick will be attending viewing on Sunday from about noon to 4 o'clock, and will also be attending the auction, and has offered to sign any of the items from his collection purchased by collectors. read more ...

Exhibitions in Leski's Showroom

It is our pleasure to announce an initiative which joins Charles Leski Auctions (CLA) with the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF). CLA will have an ongoing series of exhibitions the first of which will be focusing on Australia's participation in the Olympics. read more ...

Featured Lots: Gold Medal Tasmania

Tasmania was the last of the Australian Colonies to issue postal stationery when postal cards became available in 1882. This had followed a strong political debate as to the public interest in such issues and concerns about privacy of messages written on post cards. read more ...

Featured Lots: The Golden Age Cricket Bat

A full size "Gradidge" Cricket Bat with an extraordinary range of 19th Century signatures. At Charles Leski Auctions we have had the pleasure of selling hundreds of signed cricket bats, many hundreds of team sheets, autograph pages, team photographs, cigarette and trade card sets, Baggy Greens, Baggy Yellows, blazers, postcards, and all other types of cricket memorabilia. read more ...

WW2 Airlinks to Australia

It is appropriate that in the sixtieth year since the end of World War II we have the privilege to be offering the definitive collection of airmails, which study the effect that wartime hostilities had on the airmail service to Australia.
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Amazing N-SCALE Collection

A large selection of German N scale models appears in Auction 269. Learn something about the interesting background to this collection, which mainly comprises material from the 1970's. Charles Leski Auctions are proud to be handling the estate of the late Stephen Szeloczsky (1921-2004). read more ...

Photographic Collections

Norm De Pomeroy built up an enviable reputation as a noted and active railway photographer and his photographic collection grew from 2,500 items in 1960, to the extent that, by the time of his death in 2002, it probably contained over half a million items. Nearly 140 lots from this collection will be offered in our auction on Wednesday 29th June 2005. read more ...