Marble models found locally valued at £4,000

Three early 19^th century Grand Tour marble models of famous Italian landmarks discovered during an antiques valuation event in Montgomery are expected to sell for around £4,000 at auction tomorrow.

Experts from Halls Fine Art in Shrewsbury discovered the rare models during one of the company’s regular visits to the town, having previously valued them for insurance purposes around 10 years ago.

They will be sold at the company’s fine art, antiques and jewellery auction tomorrow (Wednesday) in Shrewsbury.

Carrying the highest pre-sale estimate in value is a 45cm-tall model of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, set on a grey veined marble base, which is expected to fetch up to £2,500.

A 46cm-high marble Corinthian column of Phocas, surmounted by a bronze figure and set on a stepped base, is valued at up to £1,000 and a restored 33.5cm high model of Trajan's Column in red marble, minus its figure, set on a pedestal base and black marble foot, is expected to fetch around £600.

“They are really lovely things and we see them very rarely,” said senior valuer and auctioneer Alexander Clement. “We are hoping that they sell well at next week’s auction.”

PICTURE: An early 19^th century Grand Tour marble model of the Temple of Castor and Pollux valued at up to £2,500.