Towards the end of last year, I received instructions to advise the executors of the Late Lady Maria Coventry, who had recently died.

Naturally, it is a sad time for those closest, but for me it is a very great privilege to be asked to deal with the sale of the many treasured, and unique possessions of the daughter of the 10th Earl of Coventry, who once lived at Croome Court, the Worcestershire mansion house with its Robert Adam connections.

It really is a thrill to handle and catalogue such a varied collection of lots ready for an old-fashioned country house sale which will take place in my saleroom in early February.

Eighteenth century furniture will be a major part of the sale but there are a number of very desirable smaller pieces as well, including fine jewellery, silver and objets d'art that one might expect of such a family estate, and also more personal items that give more insight into the interests of the Lady Maria herself.

She was a keen follower of hunting and this passion is reflected in many of the lots on offer. Fascinating ephemera as one can only imagine of a titled family, including invitations to the Queen's coronation and debutante balls and gifts given by Queen Mary, are just a few discoveries among a wide range of items that will be offered for sale and what I know will be of huge interest to collectors from around the world.