Mintoff heirs say ‘worthy causes’ to get contribution from auction

The heirs of the Mintoff family said they intend donating contributions from the proceeds of an auction of the possessions of the late prime minister Dom Mintoff, to worthy causes.

Daughters Myra and Yana Mintoff said the auction, which seeks to sell over 700 lots valued at a minimum of €40,000, was "one way to facilitate public access to some memorabilia so that they can be more widely appreciated."

"It is our intention that contributions to worthy causes shall be made from the proceeds."

The Mintoff heirs also said that arrangements were being made to archive documents belonging to Dom Mintoff that have historic value.

"We recognise the national importance of the Honorable Mr and Mrs Mintoff's heritage and have worked conscientiously and thoroughly to identify documents that have historic value. Arrangements are being made for these to be archived. We have also set aside items of national significance in anticipation that these will be displayed professionally in a national museum."

MaltaToday is informed that government representatives have already had a private viewing to identify whether any of the lots being auctioned could be deemed to have national heritage value.

By far the most impressive pieces are a €6,500-€8,000 Saint Petersburg silver parcel gilt tureen from 1778.

A caricature by Evening Standard cartoonist Raymond 'J.A.K.' Jackson is valued at €1,000-€1,400.

A Maltese olivewood serpentine chest of drawers, dating to 1830, has been valued at €6,000 to €8,000. Another 19^th century chest of drawers could also fetch up to €9,000.

The auction takes place at Belgravia Auction Gallery, St Julian's, over four days from the 5-8 March.