Tobacconist shop items to go under the hammer

ITEMS from a Perth business, which boasted a Prime Minister among its customers, are being auctioned.

Generations of local people will remember the quirky frontage of tobacconists Charles Rattray, which had Highlander figures on display.

The shop at 160 High Street, across from Perth Theatre, was occupied by the business from 1915 until 1981 and later demolished.

Charles Rattray blended and sold tobacco for worldwide customers, with the pipe-smoking Prime Minister Harold Wilson one of the famous names on a long list.

Now a selection of tobacco jars including 18th Century Dutch East India company examples, along with a group of the carved display figures, have been put up for sale by a descendent of Mr Rattray.

They are being auctioned by Lindsay Burns and Company, who sold pieces associated with the Rattray shop in 2006, including a large Highlander figure which fetched £4,200.

“We are delighted to be selling such an important collection of objects of local, historical and commercial value,” said Nick Burns of the auctioneers. “A lot of people will fondly remember Rattray tobacconists. It had an olde worlde feel and conjured up memories of a different era.”

Various pieces from the shop are housed in Perth Museum.

The collection will be sold over two days, starting on Tuesday April 25.

Viewing will be on Saturday, Sunday and Monday prior to the sale which also includes clocks, furniture, paintings, Monart glass, ceramics and Asian art.

With his trophy at the gym where he trains.