A BROOCH inscribed by Queen Victoria is among the treasures to go under the hammer at a silver and jewellery auction in Dorchester.

It features among a host of valuables being sold by a West Dorset family as part of the collection of the late fifth Duchess of Wellington.

Valuers expect the Victorian brooch to fetch up to £3,000 and other pieces to be sold for up to £10,000, in one of the house's best ever auctions.

Auctioneer Garry Batt said: "A piece of jewellery of such historical significance as the brooch could easily surprise us all.

"Despite recent events the market for fine jewellery remains exceptionally buoyant and we anticipate one of the best auctions in our history."

The rare gold brooch contains a miniature portrait of Queen Victoria surrounded by pearls and diamonds. The reverse is inscribed 'To Elizabeth, Duchess of Wellington, from her affectionate Victoria, RI, Aug 1877'.

It comes up for auction on December 6 in Hy Dukes' Weymouth Avenue salesroom in a Christmas sale.

Other pieces include an emerald and diamond brooch worth an estimated £6,000 to £10,000, as well as costume jewellery.

An Art Deco clip brooch of geometric design set with emeralds, rubies and diamonds carries a pre-sale tag of £2,000.

Another clip brooch with large emeralds is expected to fetch between £5,000 to £8,000.

Other pieces are expected to range in price from £50 up to £500 for a George III blue enamel and diamond ring, and £1,000 for a Victorian diamond floral spray brooch.