One of the biggest model railway collections to be offered on auction in KZN – if not South Africa – is among the lots for Cannon’s Auctioneers of Hilton sale of art, collectables and antiques from May 26 to May 28, starting at 9am daily, with a total of 1 031 lots on the block for online and phone bidding.
The vast toy train collection features 83 trains, 126 carriages, tracks and a master control unit with iconic names such as Hornby, Tri-Ang and Fleischmann among the models.
Cannon’s has a top presale estimate of R220 000 for the enormous stock consigned from a deceased estate and passionately collected over a lifetime by a man whose widow is downscaling.
Among other noteworthy lots for the three-day auction are:
♦ A 9ct gold cigarette case which belonged to Lieutenant-Colonel WTF Davies CMG DSO, with the lid of the 8cm by 8cm case engraved with his initials (top presale estimate: R24 000).
♦ Wide selection of art, mainly sourced from a deceased estate, featuring works by investment Old Masters such as WH Coetzer, Frans Claerhout, Christiaan Nice, Otto Klar, Lawrence Scully and Errol Boyley.
♦ A 19th-century rosewood-encased grand piano (requiring some repairs) produced by the reputable British firm of Collard & Collard (R10 000).
♦ Dozens of hallmarked silver items, including a 1918 George V three-piece Sheffield tea set (R12 000).
♦ An 18ct white gold and diamond dress ring with a total diamond weight of 1.85ct and insurance replacement value of over R114 000 (R30 000).
On May 26, the lots on offer will include books, glassware and ceramics, toys and art. On May 27, the focus will be on jewellery, metal and silver, collectables and militaria, followed on May 28 by furniture and carpets. Viewing for the auction on May 23 and May 24 is by appointment only.
For more information about the sale – and consignments for Cannon’s next sale on July 28 – call 033 343 3364 or 071 271 1603 or email cannons@ futurenet.co.za or visit