The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) will hold its annual auction at the Whitney Institute Middle School on Saturday from 9 a.m.

A preview will start today from 8.30 a.m until 6.30 p.m. and tomorrow from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., BNT in a release.

?This is an exceptional year with many high quality items including paintings and furniture,? it said.

?The auction includes a wonderful collection of Bermudiana, a cedar china cabinet, a Bermuda cedar chest, a selection of Bermuda silver, Bermuda antique maps, a Ship?s Penny, coins and much more. ?The Trust is also delighted to have pictures by Ida McCallan, Dora Murdoch, Emile Verpilleux, Otto Trott and an oil painting by Birdsey.?

Other lots up for auction include a pair of oars once owned by former Governor, Lord Martonmere, and a ticket telling tourists from the 1970s that it was illegal to wear revealing shorts.

?This popular community event is significant in terms of funds generated,? it said. ?Every penny raised is used to assist the Trust with its museums, educational programmes, archaeological research, historic buildings preservation and open space maintenance.? BNT Communications & Events Manager Kate Berry said Bermuda?s biggest jumble sale ? held at Whitney at the same times of the auction preview ? was a good chance for bargain hunters to recycle second-hand glass, china, jewellery, furniture and books by using them in their homes.

?Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as one person?s rubbish is another?s treasure,? Mrs. Berry said. ?You have never seen so much stuff!?

More information is available from Mrs. Berry at 505-5938, BNT said.