A silver cigar box belonging to a senior Nazi is being auctioned today.

The historic artefact, estimated to be worth £800-1200, was given to Hermann Göring, deputy to Adolf Hitler, as a 50th birthday present and will be auctioned from 11am today.

The box was given to Göring by Luftwaffe Field Marshall Erhard Milch, whose father was Jewish and who enjoyed Göring’s ‘protection.’

Auctioneer Jonathan Humbert said: "This is a total ‘one-off’ and an historic artefact and accordingly, there is a lot of interest from private individuals, institutions and museums alike."

"The cigar box shows the excesses of the Nazi regime and those who sought to ingratiate themselves with it."

Illustrated catalogue and online bidding available at www.the-Saleroom.com/jphumbert