A COLLECTION of Masonic regalia and First World War medals all belonging to the same person are to be auctioned next week.

The pieces, including a rare 18-carat gold Masonic medallion, all belonged to a Herbert Laws Shimman and are part of a private collection from Tynemouth.

Mr Shimman was a Freemason and member of Ryton Holy Cross Lodge, in Gateshead, and served with the Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War.

Fred Wyrley-Birch, from Newcastle-based auctioneers Anderson and Garland, said: "It’s a very nice collection of Masonic items. It includes an apron, collar, cuffs, book, medallion, ring and attache case – everything apart from Mr Shimman’s robes.

"To date I’ve never seen a medallion of such quality. It is 18 carat gold and enamelled, set with three diamonds, and also comes in its original fitted case. We believe Mr Shimman must have been quite high up in the Masons judging by this and his regalia.

"It’s a mystery about who he was because the items have come from the estate of someone we believe to be a relative.

"What our research appears to show however is that Mr Shimman was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle and his military service was in France. If anyone knows more, we would love for them to get in touch."

The Masonic items are expected to make between £200 and £300, while the war medals are expected to make around £120 when they come up for sale on January 15.