Dame Nellie Melba was an Australian opera singer who became one of the most famous sopranos of her time. She was born Helen Porter Mitchell on May 19, 1861, in Richmond, Victoria, Australia.

Melba grew up in a musical family and showed a natural talent for singing from an early age. She studied music in Melbourne and later in Paris, where she made her debut as an opera singer in 1887. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented singers of her generation and was known for her beautiful voice and commanding stage presence.

Melba became a global superstar and performed in some of the world's most famous opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She was particularly renowned for her performances of works by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner.

Melba was also known for more...

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A Victorian tortoiseshell letter opener, bearing the applied…

Melba's Victorian Tortoiseshell Letter Opener

A Victorian tortoiseshell letter opener, bearing the applied silver inscription 'Melba' supplied by Leuchars & Son. Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE

An 18ct gold and platinum mesh evening bag, Cartier, early 20th…

Cartier 18ct Gold and Platinum Mesh Evening Bag

An 18ct gold and platinum mesh evening bag, Cartier, early 20th century The square shaped bag composed of finely woven mesh with a three tone wavy design to a scroll engraved frame and cabochon saphire clasp, completed by an elongated oval link chain…

A sterling silver gallery tray, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths…

Nellie Melba's Silver Gallery Tray

A sterling silver gallery tray, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Limited, London 1902 having a gadrooned rim to the pierced gallery, inscribed 'NM' to centre, stamped to the underside 'GOLDSMITHS COMPANY 112 REGENT STREET' 2640 gms, 7 cm high, 56 cm wide, 38…

A lady's French silver plated dressing table mirror, mark of…

French Silver Plated Dressing Table Mirror by Boin Tabouret

A lady's French silver plated dressing table mirror, mark of Boin Tabouret, Paris, circa 1895 The bevelled triform mirror having a reeded frame decorated with bullrushes, iris and scrolling foliage with an ovoid cartouche to the top inscribed 'Melba',…

A sterling silver waiter, Boardman Glossop and Company,…

Sterling Silver Waiter with Melba Inscription, 1913

A sterling silver waiter, Boardman Glossop and Company, Sheffield, 1913 the square form salver having canted corners, reeded rim, inscribed 'Music Week Nov. 5-13 1921' ' Dame Nelie Melba DBE in appreciation from the committee' 140gms, 15.5 cm diameter.…

A Sheffield plate meat serving dish The oval dish having a…

Sheffield Plate Meat Serving Dish with Lion Paw Feet

A Sheffield plate meat serving dish The oval dish having a gadrooned and foliate scroll rim, with recessed drainage tree to the interior, supported on lion paw feet, one of which is stamped 'S' 5 cm high, 56 cm wide, 45 cm deep. Property from the…

A large silver plated butler's tray, Boin Taburet, Paris, circa…

Large Silver Plated Butler's Tray by Boin Taburet, Paris

A large silver plated butler's tray, Boin Taburet, Paris, circa 1894 the rectangular tray having mask centred loop handles to either end, reeded edge, decorated with scrolling arabesques, inscribed 'NM' to centre, marked to verso 'BOIN TABURET A PARIS' 7…

An American sterling silver beaker of tapering form, having an…

Melba's American Sterling Silver Beaker

An American sterling silver beaker of tapering form, having an outward rolled lip, gilt interior, inscribed 'NM' to the exterior, marked '926 STERLING' to base 60grams, 7.5 cm high, 5.4 cm in diameter. Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE

A silver plated watering can, Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, circa…

Silver Plated Watering Can by Atkin Brothers, Sheffield (1910)

A silver plated watering can, Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, circa 1910 of tapering cylindrical form, surmounted with a loop handle, with a further loop handle to the side and tapering spout, inscribed 'NM' to the side 23 cm high, 30 cm wide, 13 cm deep.…

A sterling silver tea caddy, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths…

Melba's Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, London 1904

A sterling silver tea caddy, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited, London, 1904 of knife box form, the lid surmounted by a cloverleaf loop handle, opening to reveal a gilt interior, engraved 'NM' 360 gms, 10 cm high, 9 cm wide, 9 cm deep. Property…

A William IV sterling silver lidded jug, Charles Reily and…

Melba's Sterling Silver Jug with Ivory Handle and Serpent Detail

A William IV sterling silver lidded jug, Charles Reily and George Storer, London 1836 the lid surmounted by an ivory finial, the bi-lobed ivory loop handle emanating from two serpents tails, terminating in an acanthus collared snake head mounted to the…

A set of six Edwardian sterling silver loaded candlesticks,…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks with Candelabra

A set of six Edwardian sterling silver loaded candlesticks, James Parkes, London 1904/ 1905 comprising four single loaded candlesticks and two further sticks with detachable two arm candelabra, the plain tapering sticks with reeded decoration throughout,…

A Continental silver cigarette box, probably German, late 19th…

19th Century German Silver Cigarette Box from Melba Collection

A Continental silver cigarette box, probably German, late 19th century the hinged lid repousse decorated with a central cartouche from which radiate rays of light, with overlaid scrolls and foliage, opening to reveal a cedar lined interior, the lid design…

A continental silver sugar vessel, probably German, late 19th…

Continental Silver Sugar Vessel with Satyr Mask Frieze

A continental silver sugar vessel, probably German, late 19th century of jardiniere form, having a blue glass liner, the frieze centred by a satyr mask flanked by putti battling griffin, supported on tapering square form legs terminating in bun feet…

An American sterling silver cruet set, boxed, Mauser…

American Sterling Silver Cruet Set with Box

An American sterling silver cruet set, boxed, Mauser Manufacturing Company, New York (25). An American sterling silver cruet set, boxed, Mauser Manufacturing Company, New York comprising twelve ovoid salts with silver lattice sides framing an oblong…

An Edwardian sterling silver cigarette case, William Comyns,…

Melba's Inscribed Sterling Silver Cigarette Case

An Edwardian sterling silver cigarette case, William Comyns, London, 1901 the plain rectangular case inscribed to the lid, 'To Papa from Melba 1902' opening to reveal a gilded interior with cedar lining, the underside lined with maroon morocco leather 7…

A gilt silver presentation cigarette box, American, circa 1910…

Gilt Silver Presentation Cigarette Box with Celebrity Signatures

A gilt silver presentation cigarette box, American, circa 1910 the plain dome topped lid opening to reveal a cedar lined interior, inscribed to the lid and sides with the signatures of Nellie Melba, Pablo Casals, Ada Sassoli, Percy Grainger, Leopold…

A sterling silver coin mounted cigarette box, William Haseler,…

Melba's Sterling Silver Coin Cigarette Box

A sterling silver coin mounted cigarette box, William Haseler, Birmingham 1904 the lidded box of rectangular form, the lid inset to the corners with a William III silver four pence, Queen Anne silver four pence, George II silver four pence, George III…

An American sterling silver fruit serving dish, Tiffany & Co.,…

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Peacock Fan Fruit Dish

An American sterling silver fruit serving dish, Tiffany & Co., New York, 1902-1907 shaped as a peacock fan, with applied cast border, alternating pierced trellises to the 'feather tops', with scrolling Fleur de Lis form pierced handle, resting on four…

A fine pair of Victorian sterling silver Rhyton stirrup cups,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Winged Griffin Stirrup Cups

A fine pair of Victorian sterling silver Rhyton stirrup cups, William Leuchars, London, 1886 (2). A fine pair of Victorian sterling silver Rhyton stirrup cups, William Leuchars, London, 1886 each formed as winged griffin with green cabochon gem set eyes,…

A sterling silver cigar lighter, maker's mark worn, Birmingham…

Sterling Silver Cigar Lighter with Inscription, 1912

A sterling silver cigar lighter, maker's mark worn, Birmingham 1912 of lamp form, with angular loop handle, removable lighter to top, supported on a tapering circular foot, inscribed 'NM May 19th 1916' 160 gms, 13 cm high. Property from the Collection of…

A sterling silver card box, Dawson Brothers, Birmingham, 1909…

Melba's Sterling Silver Card Box

A sterling silver card box, Dawson Brothers, Birmingham, 1909 the plain dome topped box opening to reveal a gilt interior with central card divider 120 grams, 8.5 cm high, 4.5 cm wide, 5 cm deep. Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE

A set of four Irish George III sterling silver salts, maker M.S,…

Irish George III Sterling Silver Salts, 1793

A set of four Irish George III sterling silver salts, maker M.S, Dublin, 1793 (5). A set of four Irish George III sterling silver salts, maker M.S, Dublin, 1793 of boat shaped form with a reeded rim, initialled to the side, centrally supported on a…

A silver plated tea and coffee service, S & Co, circa 1910 (4).…

S & Co Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Service

A silver plated tea and coffee service, S & Co, circa 1910 (4). A silver plated tea and coffee service, S & Co, circa 1910 comprising a tea pot, coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream jug, with domed and gadrooned lids surmounted with urn finials, the bodies of…

An English sterling silver toast rack, London, 1895, an…

Melba's Toast Racks: Sterling Silver & Plated (1895-20th Century)

An English sterling silver toast rack, London, 1895, an American silver toast rack bearing the mark 'Sterling' and a further plated... An English sterling silver toast rack, London, 1895, an American silver toast rack bearing the mark 'Sterling' and a…

A silver plated hot water kettle the domed kettle surmounted by…

Melba's Hardy Brothers Silver Plated Kettle

A silver plated hot water kettle the domed kettle surmounted by an ebonised rod handle marked 'Hardy Brothers Sydney and Melbourne 1225' 16 cm high, 23 cm wide, 17.5 cm deep. Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE

A sterling silver rose bowl, Sheffield 1907, Walker and Hall of…

Sterling Silver Rose Bowl, Melbourne Hunt Club Trophy (9 words)

A sterling silver rose bowl, Sheffield 1907, Walker and Hall of semi-hemispherical form, mounted with two scrolling handles, supported on a spreading circular foot, inscribed: 'Melbourne Hunt Club / Dandenong Point to Point / Steeplechase / 13-9-09 / 1st…

A Sterling silver four piece tea and coffee service, Goldsmiths…

Sterling Silver Tea & Coffee Service by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths

A Sterling silver four piece tea and coffee service, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited, London, 1904 (4). A Sterling silver four piece tea and coffee service, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited, London, 1904 comprising a tea pot, coffee…

A Dutch silver Nef-form bottle holder, circa 1880, bearing…

Dutch Silver Nef-Form Bottle Holder with London Import Marks

A Dutch silver Nef-form bottle holder, circa 1880, bearing sterling silver import marks for London 1926 (2). A Dutch silver Nef-form bottle holder, circa 1880, bearing sterling silver import marks for London 1926 modeled as a two masted ship at full sail,…

A George V silver gilt bowl, maker E.S, Birmingham, 1910 having…

Melba's Silver Gilt Bowl, 1910

A George V silver gilt bowl, maker E.S, Birmingham, 1910 having a cast and applied rim surmounting the finely pierced hemispherical body, inscribed to the interior 'Won by Madame Melba Belgium Roses Day April 8th 1915', supported on bifurcated lion paw…

A George III sterling silver pepperette, maker's mark worn,…

Georgian Sterling Silver Pepperette from Melba Collection

A George III sterling silver pepperette, maker's mark worn, London, 1790 having a floral decorated baluster body, hand pierced bell form lid with acorn finial, supported on a bright cut spreading circular foot 100 gms, 16 cm high. Property from the…

A Chinoiserie lidded table box, early 19th century, the…

Early 19th Century Chinoiserie Table Box

A Chinoiserie lidded table box, early 19th century, the japanned ground with gilt decoration depicting Chinese scenes, having a brass handle to either side, 21 cm high, 33 cm wide, 27.5 cm deep. Provenance. Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie…

A George III Sheraton style cross-banded mahogany serving table,…

Sheraton Mahogany Serving Table, 1790

A George III Sheraton style cross-banded mahogany serving table, English, circa 1790, 91 cm high, 152 cm wide, 67 cm deep. Provenance: Sotheby's Australia, Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE, Melbourne, April 1 2015, lot 403

A pair of famille-rose 'dragon and phoenix' bottle vases,…

Famille-rose 'Dragon and Phoenix' Vases from Melba Collection

A pair of famille-rose 'dragon and phoenix' bottle vases, Guangxu mark and of the period, 31.9 cm high (2). Provenance: The Collection of Dame Nellie Melba, Sotheby's Australia, Property from the Collection of Dame Nellie Melba GBE, Melbourne, 31 March to…

A pair of giltmetal mounted Samson porcelain table lamps, late…

Gilt-mounted Samson porcelain table lamps, late 19th century

A pair of giltmetal mounted Samson porcelain table lamps, late 19th century, each of baluster outline decorated in the famille rose palette, with lappeted bands to the shoulders, on leaf cast reeded square base, 78 cm high (excluding shades), height 78 cm…

A pair of late Victorian Adam style giltwood torcheres, each…

Victorian giltwood torcheres from Dame Nellie Melba's collection

A pair of late Victorian Adam style giltwood torcheres, each with a circular top on three slender ram's head supports with leaf and hairy hoof feet on a triform base, height 113 cm. Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba. Smith & Singer (formerly Sotheby's…

A silverplated tea pot, the design attributed to Dr Christopher…

Dresser-designed Silverplated Tea Pot from Dame Melba's Collection

A silverplated tea pot, the design attributed to Dr Christopher Dresser, retailed by Hardy Brothers, of hemispherical outline with straight wooden handle, impressed mark Hardy Bros. Sydney & Brisbane 12225 made in England, diameter 17.5 cm. Provenance:…

A Continental silver box, late 19th century, maker's mark CM,…

Continental Silver Box with Repousse Design, 19th Century

A Continental silver box, late 19th century, maker's mark CM, the cover with a repousse design of scrolls and rocaille on a sunburst field, Morocco leather base, cedar lined, width 11.5 cm, depth 9 cm, height 5 cm. Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba. Smith &…

Late 19th century Anglo-Indian ivory walking stick. Provenance:…

Anglo-Indian Ivory Walking Stick from Melba's Collection

Late 19th century Anglo-Indian ivory walking stick. Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba. Smith & Singer, property from the collection of Dame Nellie Melba, 31st March 2015 (lot 142). Estate late John Schaeffer.

Late 19th century Anglo-Indian ivory fly Whisk. Provenance:…

Anglo-Indian Ivory Fly Whisk from Dame Nellie Melba's Collection

Late 19th century Anglo-Indian ivory fly Whisk. Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba. Smith & Singer, property from the collection of Dame Nellie Melba, 31st March 2015 (lot 143). Estate late John Schaeffer.

Silver plated tea & coffee service, Spurrier & Co. Comprising…

Silver Plated Tea & Coffee Set with Provenance

Silver plated tea & coffee service, Spurrier & Co. Comprising tea & coffee pots, sugar bowl & cream jug. Of tapering oval form with gadrooned body, ebonised handles. Engraved monogram 'N.A.' height 26 cm, (coffee pot). Comprising tea & coffee pots, sugar…

Edward VII silver twin handled trophy cup, Sheffield 1907, by…

Edward VII Trophy Cup with Provenance from Dame Nellie Melba

Edward VII silver twin handled trophy cup, Sheffield 1907, by Walker & Hall. With two scrolling handles, supported on a circular foot. Inscribed 'Melbourne Hunt club, Dandenong point to point Steeplechase 13-9-09.' first trophy won by C.N. Armstrong's…

Gorham silver gilt bon bon dish, c1895, repousse floral…

Gorham Silver Bon Bon Dish with Provenance

Gorham silver gilt bon bon dish, c1895, repousse floral decoration to sides & pierced lattice corners, 12 x 12 cm, (W60g). Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba. Smith & Singer, property from the collection of Dame Nellie Melba, 31st March 2015 (lot 81). Estate…

Continental silver open salt - (unmarked), in the form of a…

Continental Silver Jardiniere Stand with Cobalt Glass Liner

Continental silver open salt - (unmarked), in the form of a miniature jardiniere stand, with cobalt glass liner, the pierced sides with satyr mask, putti & griffon amid scrolls, on tapering legs with Greek key engraved stretchers, with minor loss to…

A Victorian papier mache tray on a later walnut stand, circa…

Victorian Papier Mache Tray on Walnut Stand

A Victorian papier mache tray on a later walnut stand, circa 1850, the serpentine shaped tray with floral arabesques with gilt highlights supported on a George I style cabriole leg base with anthemion carved knees, 46 cm high, 81 cm wide, 63 cm deep.…