AN UNUSUAL LOT in an antique sale has been commandeered for the 25th anniversary celebrations of a Perth auction house.

The 19th century maypole—traditionally used to welcome spring—has been set up as a feature in the middle of Lindsay Burns and Company’s King Street premises, and will be sold on Tuesday.

A private view of the forthcoming sale was held last night for customers under the maypole.

Discovered in an outhouse of a large Perthshire country house, what kind of buyer the maypole might appeal to is unclear.

“It is an unknown quantity, it is the kind of thing that through its rarity and size might take off, but not everyone can accommodate a maypole in their garden,” said Nick Burns.

The 19th century painted pine pole is topped with a brass finial and Nick says he has never seen one in his time in the business, while father Lindsay has not sold one in the past 25 years.

Among the near 600 lots are a selection of paintings including five works by James McIntosh Patrick and pictures by D. Y. Cameron, Sir William MacTaggart and William Mellor.

Other lots range from Asian art to carpets.

The sale can be viewed today from 9am to 2pm, tomorrow from 1-3pm and Monday from 9am to 5pm.