SOME OF the earliest pieces of prestigious Perth and Dundee silverware— including an arrow created as an archery prize—are among seven items expected to raise well in excess of £500,000 when put under the hammer by Sotheby’s.

Part of the collection of Scots-born writer Robert Mercer-Nairne, a total of seven pieces will be auctioned on June 1.

Among the “extraordinary” items is the world-famous Rattray Arrow, forged by Thomas Ramsay of Perth in 1612.

It is expected to cause huge interest and is likely to sell for £60,000 or more.

A pair of early wine cups from Dundee are expected fetch around £150,000.

“Each of the pieces has been in the family for generations and are expected to fetch well over £500,000,” said Julia Cook of Sotheby’s silver department.

“This is an extraordinary group of historic items from one of the great families of the British Isles.

“Dating from the early 17th to the early 19th century, the group reflects major events in the family’s history.

“The pieces have been in their hands from the beginning.”

The objects will be on view at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh for three days from Saturday ahead of the sale in London, ensuring Scots collectors catch a glimpse.

The Rattray Arrow has been described as the highlight of the sale.

“It is one of the earliest pieces of Perth silver known to exist,” Ms Cook said.

“Donated by Sylvester Rattray of Nether Persie, minister of Rattray between 1591-1623, the arrow was created as the trophy for an archery competition.

“In addition to the arrow, Rattray also donated a silver curling stone and a handball trophy in the same year.”

While the curling stone is now lost, the bowling trophy is exhibited at Perth Museum.

The museum has a strong connection with early and important silver and the Rattray Arrow has been on loan there.

Also to go under the hammer is a pair of rare early silver wine cups, the work of Dundee silversmith Robert Gairdyne.

The cups bear the arms of Sir James Mercer of Aldie and Jean Stewart, daughter of Sir Thomas Stewart of Grandtully.

Although celebrating the couple’s wedding in 1648, they were a rather belated wedding gift as they are unlikely to date from before the Restoration of King Charles II, when the fortunes of the royalist couple improved.

Among the earliest surviving examples of Dundee silver, the cups carry an estimate of £100,000 to £150,000.

Robert Mercer-Nairne, younger son of the eighth Marquess of Lansdowne, whose family still run Perthshire’s Meikleour estate, said, “As a family we like to use what we own.

“However, these wonderful pieces have simply become too valuable for that.”