'World's smallest penknife' up for auction

The penknife is believed to be the smallest in the world, according to auctioneers

A penknife believed to be the smallest in the world will be auctioned as part of a collection.

The knife measures 7mm (0.28 inches) in length and is smaller than a penny.

It is part of a collection of more than 160 antique swords and pistols worth an estimated £40,000, according to auctioneers Hansons.

The tiny penknife was made by a family member to win bets, according to current owner Brian Jackson, from Staffordshire.

"He made the knife and apparently won many a bet with people down the tavern that he had the smallest penknife in the world," he added.

Brian Jackson said he was told the penknife was created to win bets

The 79-year-old was inspired to start the collection after he had a WW1 bayonet in his bedroom as a child.

He acquired most of the weapons from auctions and antique shops.

The penknife is "the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fascinating finds", Hansons expert Matt Crowson said.

It was made in Sheffield in about 1850 and is "an incredible piece of workmanship", he added.

Mr Jackson got a Malayan kris dagger from a man who was using it to garden

Mr Jackson said, for his collection, he got hold of a Malayan kris dagger after he spotted a man using it for gardening.

“Over the years some items have been displayed on walls or display cases in my home, " he said.

"Most have been kept in a large, locked room with high security."

The collection will be auctioned on 15 August at Hansons Auctioneers in Richmond upon Thames.