23 September 2019

Estate auction offers rare glimpse into the life of Canberra-based attaché

| Amelia Stephenson
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Collection of vintage records

A collection of vintage records set to sell at the estate auction. Photo: ALLBIDS.

The late Kevin Harkin was most commonly recognised as an Australian diplomat to Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, but is known to have lived a very secretive life, with even those closest to him knowing little else about his career and personal life.

While the long-term Weetangera resident lived a very private life, it is known that he travelled extensively throughout Asia where he collected many of the interesting and eclectic items that will be auctioned off on Canberra auction site, ALLBIDS.

The estate auction, which is comprised of more than 300 items collected throughout his life and travels, demonstrates his diverse tastes, encompassing everything from 18th century maps and manuscripts, to a selection of rare fossils and various antiques and collectibles.

Also featuring an extensive range of Asian furniture and ornaments, the collection includes everything from beautifully crafted tables and display cabinets, to stoneware, pottery, ceramics, figurines, statues, sculptures, pendants, masks and stands.

Vintage hand-crafted train

A vintage hand-crafted train that will sell when the auction concludes on Thursday. Photo: ALLBIDS.

With items like a vintage hand-crafted train and a selection of hard-to-find records from the likes of Warren Zevon, U2, Split Enz and Talking Heads, the estate auction provides a rare opportunity for the public to access a range of one-of-a-kind or hard-to-find items that you don’t come across every day.

An assortment of cigarette cards also features prominently throughout the collection, including themed automotive, train, maritime, horse racing, animal, cricket and military collections.

It’s a rarity that a collection like this is made available to the public, with ALLBIDS appraiser Angus Bowers commenting that: “you don’t get the opportunity to access such a unique collection every day, so I’m sure it will pique the interests of those who have a good eye for unique, rare and hard-to-find collectibles.”

The entire estate collection will be sold unreserved, meaning you could pick up some items for as little as only $1. With an impressive range of items on offer, it’s well worth a look to see what treasures you might find!

All items from the estate of the late Kevin Harkin will be auctioned off unreserved and sold to the highest bidders on Thursday 22 February on Canberra’s online auction website, ALLBIDS. Visit the ALLBIDS site to view the full Weetangera Estate collection, for inspection details and to bid on your favourite items.

This is a sponsored article, though all opinions are the author’s own. For more information on paid content, see our sponsored content policy.

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