The daughters of former prime minister Dom Mintoff say they have kept his possessions of historic value and would like to put them in a museum, while auctioning some of his memorabilia for the public to own.

Yana Mintoff Bland, one of il-Perit’s two daughters, said the family put aside most items belonging to her father that had engravings or salutations together with all documents of national importance.

“We also put aside the entire cartoon collection,” she said in a statement.

The comments come after it emerged that a collection of Mr Mintoff’s belongings would go under the hammer next week.

The collection comprises 762 items, including personal possessions such as a signet ring, wallets and architects’ instruments.

There is also a cartoon signed by JAK, the pen name of a renowned British cartoonist who drew for the Evening Telegraph. The political ink sketch shows Mr Mintoff “selling” Malta to the Allies.

When it was pointed out that there were items that had been given as gifts – clearly shown from the calling cards – Dr Mintoff Bland said: “We did our best.”

It is our intention that contributions to worthy causes shall be made from the proceeds

Such items include a porcelain vase given to Mr Mintoff by former Italian prime minister Bettino Craxi and an Omega gold-plated wristwatch, 18-carat gold cufflinks and signet ring, all with green jadeite, from Zaid Ben Sultan Alnahyan, former president of the United Arab Emirates.

Yana Mintoff Bland. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

There were so many items “from around the world” the family could not keep them all. “We tried to create a system of sorts”.

Dr Mintoff Bland, her sister Anna Mackenna and their children released the statement following criticism from both sides of the political divide who felt that items of national importance should not be auctioned off but given to a museum.

In their statement, the women said they recognised the importance of their father’s heritage and “worked conscientiously and thoroughly to identify documents that have historic value”.

Arrangements were made for these to be archived and “we have also set aside items of national significance in anticipation that these will be displayed professionally in a national museum”.

The family said the auction was a way of facilitating public access.

“It is our intention that contributions to worthy causes shall be made from the proceeds,” the women said.

When asked whether any organisations or charities had been identified, Dr Mintoff Bland said she had a number in mind that she worked closely with but they had not yet made a decision.

She said she had also spoken to the Prime Minister about the idea of a museum of Mr Mintoff’s items but it was still too early to say anything else.

The auction, handled by the Belgravia Auction Gallery, will include possessions ranging from paintings, china, silver and jewellery to books, 60 of his walking sticks and a trademark leather belt with a sizeable buckle and horse and horseshoe motifs.

The three-day viewing took place at Mr Mintoff’s Tarxien home and ended yesterday. Dr Mintoff Bland said it was very special to meet the people who turned up for the viewing.

“I’m deeply moved – there was such great interest. Everyone had a special comment about my father – there was a lot of love and respect for what he did,” she said.

She admitted that the auction would be an emotional experience. “I’m glad that people from all walks of life will have something that belonged to him but it’s hard to see parts of him go. However, I have kept his handkerchief so I’ll be all right.”

The auction will take place over four days at Belgravia Auction Gallery, St Julian’s, between March 5 and 8. For more details visit www.belgraviaauctions.com.