Kit for slaying vampires to go under the hammer

A vampire fighting casket is up for auction at Durrants. (Image: © Archant 2015)

And for those who may be afraid that the mythic being may hunt them in the night a vampire fighting casket is going under the hammer in Beccles today.

Although it is a replica of late 19th century vampire-slaying kits, it contains everything needed to come out victorious in a battle against the undead.

The fitted oak casket contains holy water, a crucifix and a bible which would stop a vampire in its tracks because as servants of Satan they are unable to come into contact with sacred items.

The most common method of killing a vampire is a stake through the heart, and a mallet is also provided to help along with a Deringer pistol to kill the creature with a silver bullet.

'A lot of effort and time has gone into this,' said Mark Whistler, auction room manager at Durrants in Beccles. 'I've seen genuine ones during my career and they make a lot of money.'

The item is estimated at £650 to £750 but it is not known when or where it was made. And Mr Whistler has said the 'unusual item' has been made very well.

He said: 'It's not an easy thing to replicate because it is very labour intensive and you can clearly see it is someone's passion. It is a very unusual item that someone has spent many hours on.'

It is believed that the real vampire-slaying kits may have been influenced by Bram Stoker's popular 1897 novel Dracula, with the items created to play on people's superstitions.

With the success of the Twilight books and films and television programmes such as The Vampire Diaries it is clear the fascination with vampire folklore is still popular.

The casket is part of the militaria, sporting guns, medals and taxidermy auction taking place at the Durrants Auction Room on Pedddars Lane, from 10am.