Vampire-slaying tool kit bought in Newark to be sold by Hansons Auctioneers
A vampire-killing kit packed with objects reputed to ward off the monsters enshrined in European folklore is set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Thursday.
It is being sold by its owner, who bought it at a Newark antiques fair three years ago.
The metal, lockable box contains rosary beads, an oval picture of Jesus, several crucifixes, a copy of the New Testament, glass bottles containing holy water and garlic paste, pliers and a pistol. One larger bottle contains what appears to be shark’s teeth.
It is due to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000 and it has already sparked major interest on social media.
Its West Midlands owner, who did not wish to be named said, said: “I know very little of its history. I have had it in my own collection for three years now. I bought it from a large antiques fair in Newark. I loved the look of the Gothic box and, when I opened it, I just had to have it. I thought it was so interesting — a great conversation piece.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “People are fascinated by stories of vampires, hence their continued appearance in films and on TV today. They have been part of popular culture for more than 200 years. The publication of John Polidori’s The Vampyre in 1819 had a major impact and that was followed by Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic Dracula.
“However, a belief in vampires and strange superstitions goes back even further and persists to this day. The task of killing a vampire was extremely serious and historical accounts suggested the need for particular methods and tools.
“Items of religious significance, such as crucifixes and Bibles, were said to repel these monsters, hence their strong presence in the kit we have found.”
The vampire killing box is due to be sold on July 16 in Hansons’ July 16-20 Antiques and Collectors Auction at Etwall, Derbyshire.
Due to the current pandemic, Hansons’ auctions are online only.
The catalogue is available to view now at www.hansonslive.co.uk
To find out more, email service@hansonsauctioners.co.uk
