A watercolour of a red stag is one of the highlights of a country sporting sale.

Mitchells Auctioneers, in Cockermouth, will host the three-day auction from October 9 to 11, featuring sporting art, fishing gear, and firearms.

The painting, by wildlife artist Nigel Artingstall, is expected to sell for between £800 and £1,200.

The auction will also feature a large fishing section with a collection of 17 Hardy fly reels, which should fetch between £40 and £180 each.

Hardy fly reelsHardy fly reels (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

A Hardy split cane Phantom trout fly rod, measuring 8ft 6in, is estimated to sell for between £80 and £120.

A number of flintlock guns are also up for grabs, with estimates ranging from £300 to £1,200.

 Flintlock gunsFlintlock guns (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

A Purdey cartridge magazine, made from leather and oak with brass corners, is expected to sell for between £300 and £500.

A collection of stalking-related books by Augustus Grimble and Frank Wallace will also be auctioned.

Purdey cartridge magazinePurdey cartridge magazine (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

A Tup horn-handled walking stick, presented to Mr Iredale, Master of the Melbreak Foxhounds, is expected to sell for between £70 and £100.

Taxidermy items, including a 27.5lb salmon caught on the Spey in 2004, will also be auctioned.

There will be taxidermy items such as 27.5lb salmon caught on the Spey in 2004There will be taxidermy items such as 27.5lb salmon caught on the Spey in 2004 (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

The salmon is estimated to sell for between £500 and £800.

Other taxidermy items include an African warthog, estimated at £200 to £300, and a Cape Buffalo skull mount, valued at £180 to £220.

A Tup horn-handled walking stickA Tup horn-handled walking stick (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

The first day of the sale, on October 9, will include guns and ammunition.

Day two, on October 10, will feature shooting accessories, taxidermy, ceramics, books, and pictures.

Fishing rods, reels, and tackle will be sold on the third day of the sale, on October 11.

 Major Mitchell Cockatoo in a glass domeMajor Mitchell Cockatoo in a glass dome (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

The illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells, where salegoers can also register to bid live online during the auction.

Lots can also be viewed in person at Mitchells' town centre saleroom in Cockermouth on October 7, from 10am to 5pm, and on October 8, from 10am to 7pm, as well as throughout each sale day.

A printed, text-only catalogue is available from the saleroom.

Anyone requiring further information about these and other lots featured in the auction should contact James Moore on 01900 827800.

Entries are still open for Mitchells' Woodworking, Engineering & Workshop Sale on October 31.

 Cape Buffalo skull mountCape Buffalo skull mount (Image: Mitchells Antiques)

Contact David Dunlop for free valuations and entries.

The Maritime & Transport Sale on November 7 is also open for entries, so if you have something to sell on a maritime or transport theme, contact Claire Machin for free valuations and entries.

If you want to find out what something is worth, Mitchells do free valuations by appointment at their Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.

Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk.

Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange your free valuation.