You won't be fleeced with ram's head

A STUFFED ram's head is going under the hammer in Edinburgh this week with offers of up to £3000 expected.

The Victorian ornament, which is also a snuff mull, is silver mounted with the hinged cover thistle-embossed and set with an oval-cut paste.

The horns swirl around the side of the head and are finished with thistle mounts.

Tools to maintain the object, including a hammer, rake and spoon, are included in the lot.

A rabbit's foot is also attached to the head which measures around 24cm. A presentation inscription reads: "Presented to Mrs Deane Freeman to the Mess of the Royal Elthorne Lt April 1856."

It is thought the object could fetch between 2000 and 3000 at auction.

The head was previously part of a private collection owned by an award-winning animation director in San Francisco.