Victorian table used by the Queen during visit to Corby up for auction

This table used by the Queen in Corby in 1961 is due to go under the hammer

The Victorian rosewood writing table is thought to have originated from Rushden Hall and will be sold at auction in Nottingham next week.

Auctioneer Nigel Kirk, a specialist fine art auctioneer, said: “In 1961 Her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Philip, visited Corby to inaugurate the new town centre and this elegant little Victorian rosewood writing table was hastily borrowed for the purpose from a local shopkeeper.”

The table then became a treasured family possession because of its royal association.

In a press photograph taken at the time, the Queen is clearly shown stooping to write on the table.

Mr Kirk added: “The high quality and small size of the table are such that one can picture the Queen’s Great Great Grandmother Queen Victoria, who was famously short perhaps being more accustomed to using such a table.”

Mr Kirk predicts that the royal connection will add to the interest in the table and as there will be live online bidding, the table is just as likely to sell to somebody bidding from Australia or America as the United Kingdom.

The table is estimated to sell for about £500.

The sale being held by Mellors & Kirk is taking place from 10am on Thursday, June 16.