Fans of the weird and wonderful are expected to come out in force to bid on a scarce vampire-slaying kit set for auction – packed with an arsenal of weapons to ward off the mythical beast.
The kit, housed in a wooden box with secret compartments and original key, contains a mix of mainly 19th objects including a Bible, crucifix, pistol, powder flask, trinket box with bullets, miniature telescope, stake, holy water, candlesticks, rosary beads, hammer and probate papers dated 1889. A metal shield on the box states ‘Miss L & F Willitts’. A large Cassells leather-bound Cassells Illustrated Family Bible is also part of the lot. Its previous owner understands the vampire-slaying kit used to belong to an American film actress.
The curious collectible brims with drama, according to Hansons Auctioneers which is offering the kit in its December 9 London Fine Art sale, estimate £3,000-£4,000. However, it could exceed expectations. A similar whimsical piece sold for a total of £16,900 at Hansons.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London, said: “Finds like this appeal to bidders all over the world. The vampire-slaying kit is pure theatre – spooky and fascinating. Examples, some older than others, emerge from time to time and they always spark major interest.
“The creatures, which are said to need human blood to survive, are enshrined in European folklore and embedded in superstition. The publication of John Polidori’s The Vampyre in 1819 had a major impact and that was followed by Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic Dracula.
“If the need arose to kill a vampire particular methods and tools were advised. Items of religious significance, such as crucifixes and Bibles, were said to repel the monsters, hence their presence in the kits.
“This example contains a composite collection of 19th century items. In the 20th century, kits like this were created to sell as novelty items to horror fans. They were particularly popular during the classic Gothic horror-film era. The example which achieved £16,900 was owned by a former peer of the realm, Lord William Malcolm Hailey, who lived from 1872 to 1969.
“Today these items are sought after for their novelty value and because the vampire myth is still popular. The fascination with all things dark and mysterious means vampires makes appearances in contemporary TV shows, films and literature. However, references to them go back more than 200 years.”
Auction: The vampire-slaying kit, Lot 178, will be offered in the December 9 Fine Art Auction at Hansons London.
Enquiries: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.thesaleroom.com
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AUCTION CATALOGUE
