Sex club drinking cup on sale

The 18th century drinking cup belonged to the Beggar's Benison

An 18th century wooden quaich belonging to a notorious Scottish sex club is expected to fetch £3,000 at auction.

Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull say the laburnum three-handled cup was used as a phallic drinking symbol.

It belonged to the Beggar's Benison, a club which met in the fishing village of Anstruther in Fife.

Members of the group would perform public acts of sexual self-gratification, drink heavily and watch local girls dance naked.

Lyon and Turnbull's Sebastian Pryke said: "The Beggar's Benison was a well-known Scottish 18th century club.

Punch bowls

"Exactly what 'business' was undertaken there has often led to speculation."

The club was founded in 1732 by John McNachtane, a minor Highland chief who made a living as a crooked Customs officer in Fife.

Members are said to include George IV, the Earl of Elgin, the Earl of Lauderdale and the Duke of Gordon.

Relics of the club are well-recorded and include seals, medals, punch bowls and glasses.

Many are adorned with phallic symbols with the inscription "may prick nor purse never fail".

The auction will take place on Wednesday, 10 December.