A Victorian 'vampire slaying kit' containing a wooden stake and Holy Water is set to fetch thousands at a Bristol auction.
The box including tools to fight the living dead originally belonged to a priest living in Wollas Hall in Worcestershire during the late 1800s. The collection comes housed in a custom-made box and includes a crucifix, Holy Water, bibles and a wooden stake.
The defence kit is expected to sell for between £4k to £6k when it goes under the hammer at East Bristol Auctions on March 24.
READ MORE: Jacob Rees-Mogg says BBC licence fee 'has to go' following Gary Lineker row
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: "It was likely kept as a curio than for actual use, but nevertheless goes to illustrate the genuine fear that everyday folk had of 'the unknown.' I guess this kit is the ultimate example of 'better safe than sorry!'"
The vampire myth was at its peak in the late 19th century as several famous books - including Bram Stoker's hit Dracula - were published during this period.
These works, alongside traditional folklore, provided detailed accounts of how someone could identify and defend themselves from the creatures - including using religious icons, crucifixes, bibles ad garlic. The kit offered for auction also includes a mirror, rosary beads and a small pocket pistol.
Andrew added: "It's certainly a fascinating piece of history and definitely not something one expects to see all too often. If any vampires should descend upon our saleroom - we're well prepared.''
This sale comes after a rare Fawlty Towers script went under the hammer at the same auction house. A man was gobsmacked after discovering the item from the famous sitcom in a family member's drawer.
For more information about the vampire kit, click here.
UP NEXT:
- Bristol mum with new baby says flat is so damp it's growing 'mushrooms and fungus'
- Police hunt for man on e-scooter in Filton after woman is sexually assaulted
- Bristol robber who threatened shop staff with axe jailed for 12 years
- People in hysterics after man finds sex toy under car on Bristol street
- Bristol care home assistant sentenced for groping women's bottoms
