IS IT or isn't it a missing Constable? — art collectors would be advised to go along to Philip Pyle's fine art auction at Market Street, Hatherleigh, on Saturday to feast their eyes on an oil painting which has the famous artist's name on it.

The painting of cottages by a river, which measures 24ins by 21ins, was discovered during the clearance of a cottage in Newton Abbot. On the reverse of the canvas is an old wax seal with old headed paper of Trent Park, Hertfordshire, and the inscription says 'Old Cottages Along the River Stour — pinxt (meaning 'by') John Constable — The Sir Philip Sassoon Collection'

Auctioneer Philip Pyle said he had not checked the painting out with any experts because so often in these cases people disagreed.

'The painting is for sale to the highest bidder,' he said. 'The scene is certainly similar to Constable's famous "Haywain" picture and may prove an excellent gamble for the entrepreneur.'

Master of landscape painting in the Romantic style, John Constable's art works are considered some of the best in the world. The artist lived between 1776 and 1837 and along with J M W Turner is the most famous of British artists.

The auction, which starts at 11am, comprises the contents of three West Country farmhouses, including five grandfather clocks from Northam House with guide prices from £600 to £900 each.