A NEW exhibit in Largs Musuem which dates back to the late 19th century has travelled 10,500 miles to reach its home destination.

The christening mug appears to have been sent out as a family gift, and Largs and District Historical Society have appealed for more information to see if the public can help shed more light.

The tradition of giving christening mugs as gifts at services is thought to stem from ancient drinking vessels found in Northern Europe.

The commemorative keepsakes are typically given by close family, friends or Godparents to celebrate a birth, naming day or christening.

Keepsake gifts are intended to mark one of life’s first milestones.

Largs and District Historical SocietyChristening mug has sparked an appeal for information from Largs Museum (Image: Largs and District Historical Society)

A museum spokesperson said: "Our latest addition to the museum collection all the way from Sydney, Australia.

"Probably a christening mug, with an engraved illustration of Robinson Crusoe, and the inscription: 'To Charles William from his Uncle Peter, Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland. Nov. 1st 1883'.

"How it ended up in a Sydney nursing home, the donor has no idea, and it would be lovely to know who Charles William was, and his uncle Peter."

Largs Museum is open on Saturdays throughout the autumn and winter monthsLargs Museum is open on Saturdays throughout the autumn and winter months (Image: Largs and District Historical Society)

If you can help the Largs Museum, pop into see them on Saturdays when they are open from 12 noon until 3pm, or message them on Facebook.

The museum is run by volunteers from the Largs and District Historical Society, which is a registered Scottish charity.

Largs Museum displayLargs Museum display Its purpose is to promote and maintain an interest in the history of the communities of Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie by holding exhibitions, meetings, lectures, and classes for schools and other groups within the communities of the area to learn about our history.

The museum also assists with the preservation of local historical remains and provides access to the 17th-century Skelmorlie Aisle.

As custodians of the museum’s historical records and artefacts, members believe that these should be accessible to all locals with admission to the museum free.