PRECIOUS objects smuggled out of Russia after the 1917 revolution will go under the hammer in the North-East.

Work by the famous royal jeweller Peter Carl Faberge will be featured in a three-day sale by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland next week.

The items were brought to Britain by a relative of their Tyneside owner.

Julian Thomson, the auctioneers' silver and jewellery specialist, said: "This is the most important collection of pre-revolutionary Russian objects d'art we have yet held in our Newcastle saleroom and we expect it to fetch thousands of pounds.

"A Tsar Nicholas II Imperial Russian glass vase, for instance, is alone expected to fetch between £6,000 and £10,000 while a tiny enamelled vodka beaker by Faberge could fetch between £1,400 and £1,800.

"The collection proves that Russian society before the revolution was just as enthusiastic about fine objects for home or personal use as its neighbours in Europe. The aristocracy in particular wished to proclaim its wealth and position by commissioning work by the finest designer craftsmen available.

"Faberge was one such designer craftsman and is famous for the succession of richly jewelled and ornamental eggs which the Tsar presented to his Tsarina every year on her birthday. The high standard of craftsmanship he set in serving the Tsar was followed by others and is evident in the remainder of the collection.''

The items include a silver gilt and enamel cigarette box valued at up to £1,600, a drinking ladle estimated at £1,000 to £1,500 and a tiny bowl put at £400 to £600.

The sale starts on Tuesday and ends on Thursday.