A 19th century guillotine in perfect working order is expected to fetch up to €60,000 when it goes up for auction in France on Thursday.
The wood, iron, steel and brass guillotine, synonymous with the 1789 French Revolution, was used to behead people in the second half of the 19th century.
It will be auctioned on Thursday in the northern city of Nantes and auctioneer Francois-Xavier Duflos said it is expected to fetch between €50,000 and €60,000.
"It is rare for this type of object to go to auction, so it is rather difficult to set a price, but we have taken into account its rarity," he said.
Mr Duflos added that "it would be nice if it remained in a historic setting, either on display in a chateau or in a public collection."
While Mr Duflos said the guillotine was used by the army, he did not elaborate any further.
The guillotine has been in private hands for over a century with the current owner having it passed down to him from his grandfather, who apparently bought it in the early 20th century.
The blade of the guillotine bears the inscription "Armees de la Republique," a revolutionary force created to defend France from its neighbours after the 1789 French Revolution.
