A MYSTERIOUS object was spotted in a photograph taken more than 120 years ago, prompting a plea for help from a history society.

At a recent meeting of the Bridport History Society, a photograph of a servant girl holding a mysterious object was shown, sparking a discussion on what it could possibly be.

Now, historians are appealing for help from members of the public to try to figure out out what the girl is holding.

The photograph was found in the house of Robert Potts, a photographer, in Victoria Grove, Bridport, and is thought to have been taken sometime between 1873 and 1898.

A spokesman for the society said of the object in the photo: "It is a shiny object, suggesting possibly metal or glass, and the servant girl's clothing could be perhaps Spanish, Italian or Eastern European.

"Subsequent attempts to identify the object and its possible origin and purpose have been unsuccessful and the society would love to hear from anyone who can help with this."

If you think you know what the object is or want more information, email bridporthistorysociety.01@gmail.com