Charlie Jones was a well-loved identity within the antique trade that flourishes in country Victoria. His customers, who came from all parts of Australia, were so comfortable they would just drop in – and he was always quick to put on the kettle when they walked in the door. Charlie established Jones CV Antiques and Art Gallery in 1953 at 14 Armstrong North, Ballarat and the business has been at the same location ever since.
Acknowledged as one of the oldest family businesses in country Victoria, it is now run by his son Ross and grandson Craig and specialises in antiques, art, porcelain and silver. Many of the items for the business Charlie acquired at auction in Melbourne and brought them back to Ballarat where they have been stored for more than 40 years. Charlie died in 2000 aged 86 and now Ross and Craig have decided to dispose of many of these early items by asking Phil Caldwell Auctioneers to auction them. “We now want to renovate the premises and to do that we need to clean it up first,” explained Craig Jones. “Our plan is to hold two auctions of top quality items a year while continuing the retail side of the business.”
The forthcoming auction features a magnificent Victorian leaf holder for dining table leaves, a late 1880s Scottish breakfront library bookcase with 12 doors and Australian walnut dressing table. A major feature is the museum quality 17th century Japanese samurai Yoroi armour from Kagai Armourers along with the important Robert Prenzel carving of an Aboriginal woman with a pipe. Rare ceramic pieces are a highlight including a Charles Baldwyn ewer with flying doves and a pair of coalport vases signed by Thomas Bott. Art works are another significant attraction with Hugh Sawrey’s Dobbing the Brands on Bromchoing Cattle Mooraberrie Station Far West Queensland and David Boyd’s Goddess of Spring amongst the more popular paintings. Auction 11am Sunday May 17. Viewing Friday May 15 and Saturday May 16 10am-6pm. Contact 0411 529 414.
