A bronze statue made by an artist known as one of the greatest sculptors of the Art Deco era is going on sale in a Manx auction.

The nude sculpture, made by famous German artist Ferdinand Preiss (1882 - 1943) during the Second World War in 1940, is going on sale at Douglas-based Murray’s Auctions (partnered with Chrystals Auctions) this Saturday.

The auction house said that it was not at all uncommon for them to sell such high-value items, having in the past sold an item for £598,000.

It has previously sold other sculptures by Preiss, who was also known as the ’master’ of ivory sculpture.

The statue is going on sale alongside other historical items such as a Japanese Katana from the Second World War, expected to sell for between £400 and £600.

Named ’fruhlingssonne’ [Spring sunshine], the guilded bronze statue of a woman stands 58.5cm (23 inches) tall, and is estimated to sell for between £20,000 and £25,000.

The viewing will be taking place on Friday, with the auction to be held on Saturday.