Jacobite collection up for auction

A COLLECTION of historic drinking vessels decorated with secret Jacobite symbols is expected to fetch thousands of pounds at an auction in Edinburgh next month.

The 13 exquisite wine glasses, serving bottles and dram glasses include some which date back almost 300 years.

They feature secret symbols including rosebuds and Latin inscriptions referring to support of the Stuart 'pretenders' to the British throne - and were treasonous in their day.

The "single owner" collection, in "first rate" condition, will be sold at Bonhams' annual Scottish sale on August 17-20.

Iain Glennie, Bonhams' head of ceramics and glass in Edinburgh, said: "They date from the years following the first Jacobite rebellion in 1715 and were decorated with secret symbols of support for the Stuart Pretenders to the British throne."

The set includes a rare Jacobite serving bottle from around 1740, which is estimated to fetch up to 4000 and an important wine glass from around 1750, worth up to 1500.

A rare dram glass from the early 1760s is estimated to sell for up to 1500.