THE owners of a rare antique corkscrew could be popping champagne corks if it achieves its estimated value at auction next week.

Toby Pinn, of Clevedon Salerooms, said the Hipkins patent single-lever corkscrew has an estimate £1,000 to £1,500 but was brought into the auctioneers by customers who had no idea of its value.

He said: "This corkscrew was discovered by one of Clevedon Salerooms valuers in the bottom of a cardboard box of bits and pieces that a lady and gentleman brought to one of our free valuation days.

"The vendors had no idea of its value but may choose to open a bottle or two themselves."

Other items of note on sale at the quarterly fine arts sale next Thursday include a 19th century mahogany two-section secretaire bookcase, with an estimate of £1,000 to £1,500.

A Charles Noke Royal Doulton Sung flambe vase decorated with prunus blossom is estimated at £2,000 to £3,000 and a set of three Gillows of Lancaster carved mahogany shell back hall chairs could sell for £1,500 to £2,500.

One item of interest, consigned from a Chew Valley property, is a William Bilbie of Chew Stoke mahogany long case clock that has an eight-day movement and indicates 'High Water at Bristol Key' [sic]. It is estimated at £3,000 to £4,000.

A photograph of The Beatles from 1964 is signed by all four members of the band and comes together with a ticket application form/flyer for the Royal World Premiere of A Hard Day's Night held at the London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, Monday, July 6, 1964, and a Daily Sketch black and white press photograph showing the Beatles meeting Princess Margaret at the premier; estimate £600 to £900.

The sale begins at 10.30am on Thursday, November 26, at the salerooms at Kenn Road, Kenn, and also includes live online bidding.