AN embroidered 17th century casket carrying an estimate of £30,000 to £50,000 will be the highlight of a sale of antique rugs and textiles at Netherhampton Salerooms in Salisbury later this month.

Textile and rug specialist Dr Ian Bennett said the casket, which dates from 1660 to 1680, was typical of the period of Charles II and was either a jewellery or a cosmetics box.

"An interior drawer reveals a tiny, hand-made acorn, and the exterior has one panel embroidered in petit point and the rest in satin stitch," he said.

"Embroidered on the panels are scenes from the Old Testament - Rebecca at the well, the return of the prodigal son, Joseph and Mary on the donkey, and Abraham and Isaac, with the four seasons depicted around the lid.

"The casket's carrying case is probably dated slightly later and is covered with hand-painted paper."

The saleroom also has documentary evidence of the casket's source, showing that it is the work of Eunice Bourne, of Lancashire.

The casket has stayed in the Bourne family since the 17th Century and it is only now going to be sold on.

This will be the first sale of antique rugs and textiles at the Netherhampton Salerooms under its new team of Dr Bennett and June Barrett, both formerly at Woolley & Wallis salerooms in Salisbury.

Woolley & Wallis closed its carpets, rugs and textiles department earlier this year, making both Ian and June redundant.

Ms Barrett said: "Nether-hampton Salerooms offered us the best opportunity.

"They are undertaking building work on our behalf, to provide a specially adapted showroom, where the carpets and rugs can be on permanent display.

"It is planned to hold six sales a year, in conjunction with the antique and furniture sales. We are hoping that the first sale here will be fantastic and having this jewellery casket is the icing on the cake."

The auction will take place on Thursday, April 29, and the casket will be one of approximately 450 lots.