Richardson and Smith is auctioning the tusk which was found by or given to the relation of a woman who lives locally, in Kenya between 1915 and 1935.

The horn was passed by descent to its present owner through the family.

Last year the auctioneer sold a rare white rhinoceros skull which sparked a frantic bidding war with it eventually being snapped up by an Italian buyer for £7,600.

The horn, which is grey in colour has an estimate of £1,500 to £2,000 and is likely to attract a lot of interest according to valuer and auctioneer Rob Smith.

Mr Smith said they are allowed to auction the horn as it can be dated as being pre-Second World War.

He said: “It might end up being sold for Chinese apocathery or something like that. That’s probably where the last one ended up.”

The horn is just one of a host of lots up for auction at Whitby salerooms in Silver Street on Thursday from 9.30am. Viewing is on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the sale.

And on Wednesday, Richardson and Smith will also be auctioning off 25 horses and ponies at Ruswarp Market.

The selling of horses and ponies locally used to be an annual event and was somewhat of a tradition but there has not been a sale for some years.

The auction includes horses, ponies and show jumping ponies and begins at 11.30am.