Awide variety of potential Christmas presents is on offer at next week’s major three-day sale.

The 2,000 lots being sold by Cockermouth auctioneers Mitchells will comprise everything from watercolours to watches, books to barometers, silverware to ceramics and 720 items of antique furniture, at a range of prices to suit most pockets.

As usual, the most valuable lot in the sale is an item of jewellery. A pair of 18-carat white gold earrings with diamonds is expected to make between £12,000 and £18,000. A Russian gold and ruby set bracelet from St Petersburg has an estimate of £1,500 to £2,000 and an attractive Victorian malachite bracelet could make £300 to £400.

There is also a variety of rings, pendants and ruby, diamond and sapphire-set bangles and bracelets. Among items for men is an 18-carat gold pocket watch from 1883, likely to go for £800 to £1,200.

More than 300 pictures by local artists such as Percy Kelly, William Mitchell, Edward H Thompson and June Bennett are also coming up. The most valuable is likely to be Mitchell’s oil painting The Old Garvine Bank and Bridge, Maryport as it was in the year 1839, valued at £5,000 to £7,000.

The three-day auction incorporates Mitchells’ annual book sale. Its 125 lots include a rare first edition Beano annual, published in 1939 - before the appearance of Dennis the Menace. It is in excellent condition and is expected to sell for between £2,000 and £3,000.

The sale will also feature some eye-catching collectors’ items, such as a 19th century tabletop globe and a German carved wooden Noah’s Ark.

Highlights among the furniture are a fine Queen Anne-style bureau bookcase valued at £1,500 to £2,000. Two good credenzas have estimates from £600 to £900..

All the items can be seen in the online catalogue at www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk or can be viewed in person at the saleroom.

It is open for viewing from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, from 10am to 5pm on Monday, from 10am to 7pm on Tuesday and throughout each sale day.