BARGAIN hunters could be in for a treat as diamonds, rare artwork and signed celebrity memorabilia will be offered with major discounts at a public auction tomorrow.

The unique sale will see ‘luxury cargo’ from three 40ft shipping containers go under the hammer in the Oxford Belfry Hotel in Thame.

Money collected at the auction will be used to settle a payment of £240,000 to HM Revenue and Customs for an undisclosed company. The need to settle the payment is why many of the items will go for such low prices.

Charlie Williams, the auctioneer who will be leading tomorrow’s highest offer sale, said the level of discount available is something he has not experienced before in a career spanning several decades.

He said: “The level of discount is hugely unusual – it’s something I’ve never seen before. It’s going to depend on who’s in the market but obviously bargains can be had.

“I really do think it will be incredible and I just hope people don’t think they’ll never get things for that price and don’t come.”

The auction is split between three containers, with the first including rare pieces of art from a variety of world-renowned artists. There are framed paintings on offer by the likes of Picasso, Dali, Lowry and Chagall.

In the second container, a range of diamond jewellery as well as emerald, ruby and sapphire. The second container also includes signed and framed celebrity memorabilia from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Muhammad Ali and others.

The third container includes cases of French wines, champagnes and rare Scottish whiskies, as well as electronic products like iPad and MacBooks.

There will be no auction commission or buyer’s premium payable for items in the sale. Some items will be offered with a valuation discount of up to 80 per cent.

Mr Williams said he thought it was a good time to pick up a bargain at auction.

He continued: “Items will be starting at low prices. It’s not the best trading time and people are just not spending money like they used to – so there’s a real opportunity for people who want to spend.”

The auction will be held in the hotel at 12pm tomorrow, with viewing open from 11am.

For more information or to view more of the items on offer visit belfryauction.co.uk