Tennis fans wanting a break from Wimbledon can pick up a rare piece of memorabilia from the sport at the next vintage and antique toy sale at Mitchells in Cockermouth.

A rare oak Slazenger tennis racket press, probably from the 1920s, is among the lots set to go under the hammer on Saturday, July 20.

The racket press has adjustable divisions for tennis racket storage and is expected to fetch between £120 and £180.

Keeping with the tennis theme, Mitchells will also be selling two early 20th Century Ayres Patent Championship tennis posts, with net, and an estimate of £70 to £100.

But it’s not all about summery exploits in the one-day sale, with a kitsch collection of 1950s Christmas decorations also up for grabs for an estimated £40 to £60.

A lot that's likely to appeal to the local buyers is a quirky Keswick slate table lamp, that is decorated with miniature climbers spread across its glass shade. This has an estimate of £30 to £50.

Other highlights include a painted wooden bookcase in the form of a clinker-built boat manufactured by Hanah, which is expected to make £80 to £120.

Likely to be one of the most valuable lots in the auction is an RLE Hopper, cooled, hit and miss petrol engine in full working order, which experts expect to sell for between £300 and £500 judging by a similar engine in a previous sale.

There will be a dozen plastic and wooden model boats up for grabs, including a kit-built electric HSM model boat, having a 6V dry cell battery, and surrounded by a custom made wooden frame, with an estimate of £80 to £120.

A Japanese Saito T2R engine with box has an estimate of £150 to £250, and a Maxwell Hemmens of York marine engine is expected to fetch £150 to £250.

For the live steam enthusiasts, there is a 3.5in gauge live steam Caledonian Railways locomotive, which should make beyond the £300-500 that has been put on it.

Railwayana and automobilia also features prominently in the forthcoming sale. Most notably, a group of reproduction railway and road signs will be sold and should appeal to collectors of this area.

Also for sale is a range of Hubley figures including a pair of cast iron doorstops in the form of golfers with an estimate of £30 to £50 and a American motorcycle patrol toy with the same estimate. Two Jaguar car mascots, one mounted on a marble base, are expected to make £40 to £60.

Among the model trains is an ACE trains 0 gauge E3 2006 Celebration Class locomotive and tender, in mint condition, and with its original box, which is expected to fetch £120 to £180.

For those seeking train sets, there is a boxed The Hornby Railway Co. live steam Silver Link set, which has a pre-sale guide of £150 to £250.

There are a number of Steiff teddies up for grabs, to include a 1997 Steiff Club Edition Picknick bear, valued at £50-80, and a Steiff Classic 1906 replica bear, which has a guide price of £70 to £100.

And for those interested in dolls, there is a selection of Silver Cross prams. This includes a 1970s coach-built Silver Cross twin pram, with a guide price of £50 to £80.

Lots can be viewed at the saleroom on Friday, July 19 from 3pm to 7pm and from 8.30am to 10am on the day of the sale.

The auction starts at 10am.