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Antiques from Sydney's first mayor John Hosking go under the hammer

Hundreds of antiques from an historic property which was the former home of Sydney's first elected mayor have gone under the hammer.

The Foxlow property near Bungendore in rural New South Wales dates back to the early 1800s.

It has been in the Falkiner family for over 90 years and previously belonged to the first mayor, John Hosking.

He was elected the first mayor of Sydney in 1842 and named the property after his wife, Martha Foxlow Terry.

The home was also used as a set for the 1970 move Ned Kelly, starring Mick Jagger in the title role.

Earlier this year Foxlow sold for $15 million and the family put the entire contents of the homestead up for sale, including antiques acquired over the last 150 years.

Auctioneer Martin Farrah said the sale attracted both serious buyers and those keen to inspect the historic property.

"It's not often that places like this get opened up to the public. Foxlow has never been open to the public full stop," he said.

"So a lot of people here today are voyeurs and stickybeaks."

Art, antique furniture, jewellery and a bird egg collection were up for sale.

Items were priced from $20 to tens of thousands of dollars.

One of the most sought-after items on offer was a bronze Buddha statue.

Auctioneer Daniel Sawaqed said the statue was believed to be from the Ming Dynasty.

"We've got dealers, we've got private collectors. It's just such an amazing piece, everyone is interested in it," he said.

"I wish I could get it myself."

The statue eventually sold for $18,000.