Fondly remembered items to be auctioned

Perth: Collection from former city tobacconists to go under the hammer later this month

Items from a fondly remembered Perth business, which boasted a Prime Minister among its customers, are being auctioned in the city.

Generations of local people will remember the quirky frontage of tobacconists Charles Rattray, which had Highlander and native figures on display on the first floor and in the window.

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

We expect the collection will do well and will bring in several thousand pounds. NICK BURNS

an important collection of objects of local, historical and commercial value,” said Nick Burns of the auctioneers.

“A lot of people from Perth and the surrounding areas will fondly remember Rattray tobacconists.

“It had an olde worlde feel and conjured up memories of a different era.

“While cataloguing the collection and speaking to people, it was in living memory they remember ladies handrolling cigarettes in the shop.”

Various pieces from the shop are housed in Perth Museum.

The auctioneers say the collection will have a wide appeal, including people who collect smoking-related memorabilia, Delft collectors and those interested in items with a strong local connection.

“We expect the collection will do well and will bring in several thousand pounds,” said Mr Burns.

“Really something is worth what someone is prepared to pay.”

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.

Picture: Phil Hannah. Nick Burns at Burns Auction rooms with a late 18th Century carved and painted pine tobacco advertising figure of a Highlander.