A TREASURED heirloom from one of Blackburn's most famous families is expected to fetch up to £180,000, when it goes under the auction hammer.

The imposing Victorian silver-gilt candelabra and candelabrum was presented to William Henry Hornby in 1853 -- two years after he became the town's first mayor.

The former leading light in Blackburn's political and business life is still a familiar face, thanks to a statue created in his honour, which stands alongside the town hall.

A bequest by one of his faithful workers paid for it.

The inscription on the centrepiece of the candelabrum says: 'Presented to W H Hornby Esq, JP, by the operatives of Blackburn in token of sincere esteem for his zealous promotion of the best interests of his native town, his generous support of useful and charitable institutions and particularly as the well-tried, faithful and constant friend of the working man.'

Born in 1805, he was the son of John Hornby, co-founder of Blackburn's first spinning factory. He helped to bring the railway to Blackburn, employed more than 1,400 people at his Brookhouse Mills and was one of four members of the family who represented the town in Parliament.

The work of art is to be sold at Christies Important Silver Sale, in London, on June 13.

Christies Silver expert Robin Shepard, said the hefty price tag was reached from a combination of its massive size -- 227 cms long with a 79 cms high centre piece -- the "extraordinary way it represents the British Empire and Victorian silverware" and its "beautiful" condition.

She added that its charm was increased because of the history of the original owner and his contribution to Victorian life.

"It takes four strong men to carry each of the sections. But its tremendous size and the fact that there is a lot of silver obviously isn't the only reason for its value," Robin added

The auction house is keeping tight-lipped about the vendor.