British auctioneer Dreweatts will today host an anticipated sale of historic and valuable collectibles.  Its 'Fine Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu' comprises a fine variety of pieces which will appeal to antique collectors and canny investors alike.

Top of the pile is a wonderful example of 17^th Century silver.  This Charles I era circular basket was crafted by Richard Blackwell I in London, sometime between 1624 and 1640 - shortly before the outbreak of the English Civil War.

The basket features twin loop handles issuing from leafage, with sides pierced and engraved with cherub heads and scrolls.  It is also engraved with a coat of arms, which was supposedly added later - around 1727.

This wonderful relic from a turbulent period of English history is thought to be one of only four pre-restoration silver baskets in existence.  Its exceptional rarity and fine detail are reflected in the estimate of £15,000-25,000.

This Charles I silver basket could make £25,000

The next highest lot is a complete contrast - a thoroughly modern watch, made by Audemars Piguet.  The 'Quantieme Automatique' model is made from platinum, and features a skeleton dial, silver baton hands and four subsidiary dials running day, date, month and moon phases.

The watch has a glucydur balance and engraved 21 carat gold-edged rotor, and is attached to a black crocodile strap.  A classic example of high quality and precision Swiss watchmaking, this lot is expected to realise between £10,000-15,000.

The auction also features a variety of jewellery, ranging from five figure estimates downwards featuring diamonds, emeralds, amethysts and rubies.  With nearly 500 lots of assorted valuables, this really is the equivalent of a 'candy shop' for jewellery, watch and antique collectors.