A SILVER cradle that was a christening present for the Mayor of Bath in the late 19th Century will go under the hammer in Dorchester.

The shell shaped cradle, which was presented to Mayor George Woodiwiss when his wife gave birth during his mayoral year in 1897, is expected to fetch between £1,000 and £4,000 at Duke’s Auctioneers silver sale on June 16.

The cradle, which has been separated from the elaborate base that accompanied it, has been passed down through the generations of Mayor Woodiwiss’ descendants.

Included in the lot will be a decorated leather bound book that records the mayoral event and features a picture of the cradle complete with its base.

Duke’s auctioneer Matthew Denney said: “It was lovely to discover this remarkable piece of silver, and when the owner showed me the photograph of it on its base I was amazed.

“The Victorians made some remarkable pieces of presentation silver and this was clearly one of their finest creations.

“It gives us a fascinating insight into the role of Mayor of Bath at the end of the nineteenth century.

“Mayor Woodiwiss must have been highly regarded by the magistrates and members of the council for them to have commissioned such a marvellous item to celebrate the birth of his son.”

For more information about the silver sale at Duke’s call 01305 265080.