FROM stunning rugs to revolutionary Irish posters, a Carlisle auction is teeming with interesting curios.

Laidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers have prepared an 'outstanding' sale his month with lots ranging from military headgear to watercolours by a local Carlisle artist.

Paul Laidlaw is an expert in militaria, and the auctioneers have in their care a rare Victorian Scottish 1st Border Mounted Rifle Volunteer Crops headdress group including a Home Service Pattern helmet and a busby, 'pill box' forage cap and Torrin cap.

Another rare feature in this month’s auction is a 1916 Irish Republican proclamation of the Republic or Easter proclamation poster signed by revolutionary, soldier and politician Michael Collins.

News and Star: Proclamation of the Irish Republic Proclamation of the Irish Republic (Image: Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers)The Proclamation was read out at the General Post Office, Sackville Street, Dublin on Easter Monday with copies pasted up all over the city.

The lot includes handwritten provenance from the vendor and is a breathtaking example of Irish history.

Paul Laidlaw said: "This is a hugely powerful and historically important document. Having Irish heritage, it strongly resonates with me."

This lot carries an estimate of £1000 - £2000.

This month Laidlaw has a beautiful selection of hand-knotted Persian, Turkish and Chinese rugs.

By far the most impressive rug up for auction is an Afghanistan Baluch Persian wool-pile rug, labelled “Fegural Beluch”.

It was traditionally woven by Baluch nomads in an area near the borders of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

With tribesmen depicted on horseback and standing in traditional dress, it is an outstanding piece of central Asian heritage with a low estimate of £100 - £200.

News and Star: Close-up of the rugClose-up of the rug (Image: Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers)Lastly, in a touch of local interest, Laidlaw's have three watercolours attributed to local artist Thomas Ellis Nutter.

Born in Carlisle, Nutter was content with living and working in his native city despite encouragement from others to take his talent to London.

News and Star: Thomas Ellis Nutter paintingThomas Ellis Nutter painting (Image: Laidlaw Auctioneers & Valuers)He displayed a strong interest in the historical buildings in Carlisle; this we see in the three watercolours, variously depicting Carlisle Castle and Cathedral.

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These lots carry estimates ranging for £50 - £100 to £150 - £250.

This sale will be held at Temple House Auction Rooms, Carlisle from Friday, July 28 to Saturday, July 29 with viewing on Thursday, July 27.

Bidding is available in the room and online via the saleroom.