A TREASURE trove of antiques which for years lay undiscovered behind a kitchen dresser is expected to smash auction estimates.

Just half way into the three-day sale the auction has realised more than £425,000 with more than 100 items left to go under the hammer. Sothebys originally estimated that the 237 items would fetch in the region of £500,000.

On the first day alone more than £400,000 was realised. One of the most valuable items sold at the auction -- which concludes today was an Irish freedom box presented by the City of Cork exactly 179 years ago yesterday.

Seven telephone bidders battled for the box which had been presented to Richard, Marquess Wellesley, brother of the Duke of Wellington.

Expected to raise between £8,000 and £12,000 the box amazed staff when it sold for £40,250. After hectic bidding it was snapped up by a London dealer. The items belonged to Joe Marshall, whoran an antiques shop in Blackburn. When he died in August 1999 aged 91 his personal trove of treasure was revealed behind a kitchen dresser in his home in Bilinge End Road, Blackburn.

Tim Wonnacott, chairman of Sothebys, said: "An extremely busy viewing at the weekend, which saw clients queuing outside to come to view the items, was a good indication that the sale would do well. Today's auction featuring valuable paintings is expected to push the total well past £500,000.

The money will go to the executor of Joe Marshall's will, who Sothebys refused to name.

Treasures shatter original estimates:

A Shibayama single case gold lacquer inro, dating from the Meiji period (1868-1912), realised £16,100. Estimated price £3,500-4,500

A large ivory okimono of a woman, also dating from the Meiji period, sold for £15,525. Estimated price £5,000-7,000

An unusual Webb cameo glass fish-shaped scent bottle, dating from 1884 and finely carved with overlapping scales fetched £6,325. Estimated price £700-1,000

A Webb cameo scent bottle in the shape of a swan's head, from 1884, realised £5,290. Estimated price £1,500-2,000.

A Royal Worcester two-handled pierced egg-shaped vase and cover, dated 1906 by George Owen realised £12,650. Estimated price £5,000-8,000.

A mahogany and gilt metal mounted vitrine by Henry Dasson, of Paris, dated from 1887, fetched £9,430. Estimated price £5,000 -- £8,000.