Author Agatha Christie's writing desk up for grabs

London, Mar 19 (ANI): An antique desk on which renowned author Agatha Christie penned her novels is set to go under the hammer. It is expected to fetch around 1,000 pounds.

The 170-year-old desk was passed on to the family of Christie's husband Sir Max Mallowan after her death 1976. It has been stored in an attic ever since.

"These items are really terrific - I think there will be a great deal of interest," the Telegraph quoted Jean Read, an Agatha Christie expert, as saying.

"Christie is certainly the most famous crime writer of all time and to have such personal items is something special. She was quite a private lady, so to get an insight into her life like this is interesting.

"To have the chance to buy the desk she wrote her books at is an opportunity a lot of people would jump at," Read added.

Also up for grabs are Christie's address book and a letter written to her by the author Robert Graves.

The letter by Graves, sent to Christie from Majorca in December 1946, was found inside a copy of his book 'The Golden Fleece', which he had given to her as a gift.

While the desk is expected to fetch 1,000 pounds, the letter, book and address book are expected to be sold for 700 pounds.

"We're expecting a lot of interest because of where it comes from and who it belonged to," said Luke McDonald, from Cheffins Auctioneers.

"We've already been contacted by some huge Agatha Christie fans - it will cause quite a stir," he added. (ANI)