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...

53 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A 'His Masters Voice' record album featuring twelve Dame Nellie…

Melba's Masterful Recordings

A 'His Masters Voice' record album featuring twelve Dame Nellie Melba recordings, early 20th century, each sleeved record numbered and manufactured by the gramophone and typewriter Ltd and Sister Companies, reproduced in Hanover

'Nellie' Melba: bold signature on picture postcard showing…

Autographed postcards of Nellie Melba and Tittell Brune

'Nellie' Melba: bold signature on picture postcard showing portrait image of the opera singer, the card postally used on new Years day 1908 from Melbourne to Bondi; also Tittell Brune's signature on an unused picture postcard showing a full-length image…

Official team photos: three-photo display comprising 'Victorian…

Vintage Cricket Team Photos Display

Official team photos: three-photo display comprising 'Victorian Sheffield shield cricket XI: Northern Tour 24/1/62: 7/2/62' (Melba Studios, Sydney) including bill Lawry (Capt.), Linsay Kline and Ian Meckiff, The Australian & Pakistan cricket Teams during…

New South Wales 2nd XI 1924-5 official team photo by Melba…

1924-5 NSW 2nd XI Official Team Photo by Melba Studios

New South Wales 2nd XI 1924-5 official team photo by Melba Studios, laid down on original mount. Overall 30 x 37 cm. Rare. Provenance: from the Estate of 'Hal' Hooker, NSW.

1893 a souvenir programme for the state Performance of Romeo &…

Royal Opera House's 1893 Romeo & Juliet State Performance Programme

1893 a souvenir programme for the state Performance of Romeo & Juliet given at the Royal opera house, Covent garden in honour of the marriage of the Duke of York & Princess Mary of Teck (later Kie Nellie Melba as Juliet in a Royal Performance, London 1893…

A sterling silver bon bon spoon, inscribed to Madame Melba, by…

Melba's Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon by Shiebler

A sterling silver bon bon spoon, inscribed to Madame Melba, by George. W. Shiebler, New York, circa 1890, the openwork bowl decorated with fleur-de-lis and scrollwork enclosing a central lion rampant crest with a fleur-de-lis handle. Inscribed to verso…

A collection of documents relating to Dame Nellie Melba…

Nellie Melba Memorabilia

A collection of documents relating to Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931), including 'Trois Femmes (three Women)' songbook, no 104 - Paling's song series, a letter from Dame Nellie Melba to Colonial Lowther from 30, great Cumberland place, London, and a mounted…

A faceted amber bead and leaf decorated gilt bronze picture…

Amber Bead & Leaf Gilt Bronze Frame from Melba Collection

A faceted amber bead and leaf decorated gilt bronze picture frame 18 cm high. Provenance: The Dame Nellie Melba Collection

Dame Nellie Melba, two single page handwritten letters on…

Dame Nellie Melba Handwritten Letters with Autograph

Dame Nellie Melba, two single page handwritten letters on London hotel letterhead containing Melba's autograph in three places, some damage and loss to the upper and lower left corners (2 items).

1950 official team photograph by Melba Studios, Sydney with the…

1950 Australian Cricket Team Photograph

1950 official team photograph by Melba Studios, Sydney with the title 'An Australian Eleven v. M.C.C. Sydney Cricket Ground, 15th - 19th December 1950', and with the Australian players names printed on the mount below. The team included Athur Morris (Capt…

A diamond 'Melba' stick pin, the 'M' finely detailed with old…

The Melba Diamond Stick Pin from Bambi Smith's Collection

A diamond 'Melba' stick pin, the 'M' finely detailed with old European and mine cut diamonds, encasing further letters in two tone 18ct gold.. Provenance: from the collection of Bambi Shmith, late dowager Countess of Harewood

Early Leather-Bound autograph book, notable autographs include…

Notable Autographs in Early Leather-Bound Book

Early Leather-Bound autograph book, notable autographs include John Monash 1918, Lieut General, formerly Commanding Australian Army Corps in France, 1918, Dame Nellie Melba, 1921, Harry Lauder, Scottish singer, Alberto Zelman, founder of the Mso and many…

Dame Nellie Melba (1861 - 1931) full ink signature on a Rp…

Nellie Melba's Signature on Postcard

Dame Nellie Melba (1861 - 1931) full ink signature on a Rp postcard by The Dover Street Studio, Ltd., London.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) two full ink signatures on…

Dame Nellie Melba Memorabilia and Signatures

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) two full ink signatures on promotional postcards, together with a selection Melba photographs and memorabilia

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) Good signature on publicity…

Dame Nellie Melba Signed Publicity Photograph, 1914

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) Good signature on publicity photograph dated 1914, framed and glazed, photo size 19 x 12 cm

30 various Tivoli programmes 1941-1949. Including. The booklet…

Tivoli Programs and Autographs (1941-1949)

30 various Tivoli programmes 1941-1949. Including. The booklet (27 x 22 cm) Favorites of the Footlights, a beautiful series of photographs and Autographs Compiled by - - W a Crawley. Nellie Melba, Carrie Moore, Nellie Stewart et al. The New South Wales…

Four musical programmes & photograph. Souvenir programme. Melba…

Melba & Dawson Musical Programmes and Photograph Souvenir

Four musical programmes & photograph. Souvenir programme. Melba patriotic concert Adelaide, 21st November, 1914: Melba the great Lyric Soprano. Opera house, Cortland Ny, 1907; grand opera Season,1928. Melba in association with J.C Williamson; Peter Dawson…

Dame Nellie Melba, a christening mug inscribed 'Wishing Simon…

Melba's Godmother Gift to Simon, 1921

Dame Nellie Melba, a christening mug inscribed 'Wishing Simon all happiness & good luck from his Godmother, Nellie Melba, 20 April 1921'

Autograph Diaries.r (2) Provenance: can be atrributed to…

Austrian Ambassador's Autograph Diaries and Albums

Autograph Diaries.r (2) Provenance: can be atrributed to Pinschof the Austrian Ambassador (Melbourne) including a large autograph book as put together by Pinschoff, the Austrian Ambassador to Australia, who held a regular salon in Kew for visiting…

Autographed photographs: Nellie Melba (undated), Percy Grainger…

Autographed Photographs of Melba, Grainger, and Boyle

Autographed photographs: Nellie Melba (undated), Percy Grainger (dated 1920) and George F. Boyle (undated, but circa 1910 before he left for America) original signatures, two framed and glazed by Caldecutt of Chapel St., Prahran. From an old-time…

A signed Nellie Melba photograph in decorative gilded frame 31…

Gilded Melba: Signed Photograph in Ornate Frame

A signed Nellie Melba photograph in decorative gilded frame 31 cm high. 13 cm wide

A Queensland musical autograph book, with entries dated between…

Queensland Musical Autograph Book (9 words)

A Queensland musical autograph book, with entries dated between 1901 and 1909, this delightful little book has been used to collect the autographs, musical and literary quotations of Queensland-based musicians as well as several international visitors to…

Two fine English needlework wall hangings, circa 1871, each…

English Needlework Wall Hangings with Personalized Scenes, 1871

Two fine English needlework wall hangings, circa 1871, each wall hanging comprising individual needlework panels, all initialled by each maker, depicting various personalized scenes, each 230 cm long approximately. Provenance: These wall hangings were a…

Cricket group comprising 1952 New South WalesTeam, official…

Cricket Memorabilia Collection

Cricket group comprising 1952 New South WalesTeam, official team photograph by Melba of Sydney, with the title 'N.S.W. V. Queensland, Sydney November 7-10th, 19521 and 'N.S.W. V. South Africa, Sydney November 14-18th, 1952', 1964 New South Wales Team,…

A large team photograph of unknown team with 'Melba Sydney'…

"Melba Sydney" Team Photograph from Monty Noble Collection

A large team photograph of unknown team with 'Melba Sydney' stamp, Ex Monty Noble collection

Cedar & glass case with removable lid, (110 cm high) believed…

Victorian Railways Royal Train Record Case

Cedar & glass case with removable lid, (110 cm high) believed to have been created by the Victorian Railways, circa 1877, to record occasions when Regal, Vice Regal and other important notables were carried by train within the State of Victoria. The case…

A gold open face pocket watch, Purportedly gifted to Frank Rigo…

Melba's Gifted Gold Pocket Watch to Opera Director

A gold open face pocket watch, Purportedly gifted to Frank Rigo from Dame Nellie Melba, circa 1911, crown wind movement, circular silvered dial with Roman numerals, 18ct gold case, engraved lid with the initials 'F.R.' and further hand engraving to the…

1954 New South WalesTeam, official team photograph by Melba of…

1954 NSW Cricket Team Official Photograph with Miller, Benaud, Morris

1954 New South WalesTeam, official team photograph by Melba of Sydney, with the title 'N.S.W. Cricket Association - New South Wales v. South Australia, Sydney Cricket Ground, 19th-23rd February, 1954', and with the player's names printed on the mount…

1951 New South Wales Team, official team photograph by Melba of…

1951 NSW Team vs. M.C.C. at Sydney Cricket Ground

1951 New South Wales Team, official team photograph by Melba of Sydney, with the title 'N.S.W. v. M.C.C. Sydney Cricket Ground, December 30th - January 3rd, 1951', and with the players names printed on mount. The team included Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall,…

1950 official team photograph by Melba Studios, Sydney with the…

1950 Australian Cricket Team Photograph

1950 official team photograph by Melba Studios, Sydney with the title 'An Australian Eleven v. M.C.C. Sydney Cricket Ground, 15th - 19th December 1950', and with the Australian players names printed on the mount below. The team included Athur Morris (Capt…

Six auction catalogues - Women of style and Hollywood…

Hollywood and Style: Auction Catalogues

Six auction catalogues - Women of style and Hollywood memorabilia, Sotheby's, Christies and Bonhams, including estates of Lauren Bacall, Dame Nellie Melba and Vivienne Leigh (6)

Dame Nellie Melba: Two fine signatures on single paged letters…

Dame Nellie Melba's Signed Letters to Mrs Mackenzie (1929)

Dame Nellie Melba: Two fine signatures on single paged letters addressed to Mrs Mackenzie, circa 1929, Both pages with damage to upper and lower margins otherwise in good condition

A mahogany and brass peat bucket with liner, 31.5 cm diameter,…

Melba's Mahogany Peat Bucket

A mahogany and brass peat bucket with liner, 31.5 cm diameter, 37.5 cm high. Provenance: Sotheby's, The Estate of Dame Nellie Melba

A large sterling silver table cigar box, plain design, cedar…

Sterling Silver Cigar Box with Melba's Engraving

A large sterling silver table cigar box, plain design, cedar lining, the hinged cover with presentation engraving 'To Hugh Ward from Nellie Melba, 1914', Hardy Brothers, Birmingham, 1912. 21 x 12.5 x 5 cm

A signed letter from Nellie Melba, addressed to Hugh Ward from…

Nellie Melba's Signed Letter to Hugh Ward

A signed letter from Nellie Melba, addressed to Hugh Ward from her home 'Coombe cottage, Coldstream, Victoria. 17.8 x 22.8 cm

A collection of Theatre Programs relating to Dame Nellie Melba,…

Melba's Farewell: Programs, Clippings, and Record Collection

A collection of Theatre Programs relating to Dame Nellie Melba, and her farewell concert, together with a collection of press Clippings and an early record, 'His master's Voice - the old Folks at home - Dame Nellie Melba as Soprano'

Melba's gift book, including tipped in colour plates, with a…

Melba's Farewell Gift Book

Melba's gift book, including tipped in colour plates, with a farewell letter written on silk (a/f), attached on the inside and signed by Nellie Melba, dated September 4th 1924

A pair of World War I era flags of France and Belgium signed by…

Melba-signed WWI Flags of France and Belgium

A pair of World War I era flags of France and Belgium signed by Dame Nelly Melba dated 1915

C1899-1902 Ogdens cards, noted Madame Melba & Edmund Barton.…

Ogdens Cards: Madame Melba & Edmund Barton (Poor/G)

C1899-1902 Ogdens cards, noted Madame Melba & Edmund Barton. Poor/G.

A bronze cast statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy, circa…

Bronze Statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy

A bronze cast statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy, circa 1982, edition 50/750, the well patinated figure of the singer, her hands wrung together; signed and dated to hem of the dress, upon a timber base with a brass plaque with title and edition…

Framed Nellie Melba commemorative, limited edition panel…

Nellie Melba Commemorative Panel and Vintage Prints

Framed Nellie Melba commemorative, limited edition panel 650/850 from Perorming arts Museum and vintage Nellie Melba print (2) measures 25.5 x 15.5 cm

A bronze cast statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy, circa…

Bronze Statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy

A bronze cast statuette of Dame Nellie Melba by Koloszy, circa 1982, edition 50/750. The well patinated figure of the singer, her hands wrung together; signed and dated to hem of the dress, upon a timber base with a brass plaque with title and edition…

A signed programme from Dame Nellie Melba's 1927 Farewell Tour,…

Dame Nellie Melba's Signed 1927 Farewell Tour Programme

A signed programme from Dame Nellie Melba's 1927 Farewell Tour, signed 'Nellie Melba' (VG)

A fan, tortoiseshell and black lace, circa 1900 Having…

Melba's Lace Fan with Inscription "Nellie"

A fan, tortoiseshell and black lace, circa 1900 Having tortoiseshell slats, interleaved with ruffled black lace, with the last slat bearing the inscription "Nellie" in raised rose gold Provenance: presented by Dame Nellie Melba to Emmy…

Dame Nellie Melba: Undated 3-page lettersheet, written & signed…

Dame Nellie Melba Signed Correspondence Collection

Dame Nellie Melba: Undated 3-page lettersheet, written & signed by Melba (in London) '.... I am quite ready with Tosca but I must study the acting part so I am wondering if there is anyone in London who can show me the mise en scene....'; accompanied by…

Autographs: 'The Music of the Poets - The Musicians' Birthday…

The Music of the Poets Autograph Collection

Autographs: 'The Music of the Poets - The Musicians' Birthday Book' [London, 1908], with fabulous collection of 863 autographs, mostly musicians, noted Clara Butt, Noel Coward, Peter Dawson, Percy Grainger, Robert Helpmann, Gladys Moncrieff, Nellie Melba,…

Nellie Melba, signed postcard; plus Bert Hinkler postcard with…

Signed Postcards: Nellie Melba and Bert Hinkler

Nellie Melba, signed postcard; plus Bert Hinkler postcard with facsimile autograph. (2 items)

A collectable gold Vacheron & Constantine travel clock. 18ct…

1940s Nellie Melba Vacheron & Constantine Gold Travel Clock

A collectable gold Vacheron & Constantine travel clock. 18ct yellow gold, circa 1940's, designed as a small rectangular shaped case of geometric panel gold work, engraved to case back 'Nellie Melba' with provenance of the bequest provided, flap number…

A grand opera Season 1924 souvenir Programme Presented by Dame…

Melba's 1924 Grand Opera Souvenir Programme

A grand opera Season 1924 souvenir Programme Presented by Dame Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931): Australian Opera singer;…

Melba's Gift Book and Memorabilia Lot

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931): Australian Opera singer; 'Melba's Gift Book' published by George Robertson (Australia 1916) edition de luxe signed copy. Red linen covered boards with embossed gilt title and monogram. Illustrations by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite,…

Nellie Melba: 'Leaves from the Note-Book of Lady Dorothy…

Signed book by Nellie Melba and Lady Dorothy Nevill

Nellie Melba: 'Leaves from the Note-Book of Lady Dorothy Nevill' by Ralph Nevill (London 1907), signed by the author, Dame Nellie Melba and Lady Dorothy Nevill. Book looking a little tired but signatures fine. Very rare

Dame Nellie Melba: Collection of records with 78s (27 - one…

Melba's Record Collection

Dame Nellie Melba: Collection of records with 78s (27 - one signed); 'Melba - The London Recordings 1904-1926' 5 LP boxed set; 'Melba - The American Recordings 1907-1916' 5 LP boxed set.

Four single sided gramophone records- Melba, Caruso, McCormack…

Legendary Singers on Gramophone Records

Four single sided gramophone records- Melba, Caruso, McCormack & Lauder