Model of Oliver Cromwell death mask to be auctioned off at Duke's Dorchester

The hand-painted 10ins long mask is inscribed on the interior with the political leader's name.

It belonged to the trade unionist and parliamentarian John Burns who inscribed it on August 15 1932.

The moustached mask is accompanied by a rare signed Cromwellian deed with his Great Seal, designating his authority as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, dated 1655.

BNPS (Image: BNPS)

It is tipped to sell for £1,000 at Duke's Auctioneers of Dorchester.

Cromwell held power from 1653 to 1658 after signing the death warrant for Charles I at the conclusion of the Civil War.

He died on September 3, 1658. He was buried with a grand ceremony in the burial place at Westminster Abbey.

After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, his body was dug up and moved to Tyburn where he was posthumously executed.

Following his death, a wax mould was made of his face and kept by its maker, Thomas Simon.

A wooden effigy and replica of the mould were laid in state at Somerset House.

Since then, several casts have been made using the original mould.

But the one on sale appears to have been customised as Cromwell's eyes were closed when the original mould was made.

Its previous owner, John Burns, was a socialist and a Liberal Member of Parliament.

He resigned when the Liberal cabinet made a decision for war in August 1914 and spent the rest of his life devoted to his interests in books, London history and cricket.

As a book collector, he created a very large private library, much of which he left to the University of London.

The death mask is being sold today (Thursday.)