Rare copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula up for sale at Lloyds Auction House

The edition was printed in the first few months of 1897 and there are less than a handful of surviving copies.

Lloyds Auctions' Lee Hames said the copy was a "very rare and unique book that we have never seen before".

"We are very excited to see it go to a new custodian to enjoy".

The copy is rare because it's a colonial edition of the book which was printed only for English speaking territories like India, Australia and New Zealand, according to the auctioneers.

These were special editions created for English speaking readers scattered throughout British colonies and were a way for publishers to reach more readers.

The current custodian of the item, whose identity has not been made public, said the rarity and value of the item "literally blew our minds."

The book was inherited and is being sold as part of an inherited estate.

IN OTHER NEWS

Dracula is one of the most famous works of English literature.

It tells the story of solicitor Jonathan Harker who goes on a business trip and stays at the castle of a Transylvanian nobleman Count Dracula who he then discovers is a vampire.

It has been adapted for film and television countless times with a notable performance by Gary Oldman as Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 adaptation.