Sotheby's auction of rare NZ stamps 'to top $45m'

A large collection of rare New Zealand stamps are to go on sale at Sotheby's in London in a multimillion dollar auction.

Experts say the Baillie Collection is the most important collection of stamps to be sold for 50 years.

Leading stamp dealer John Mowbray said from Otaki today that the massive collection to go under the hammer on February 15-17 was unquestionably the most comprehensive collection of its kind.

"These are some of the finest New Zealand stamps ever known ever to come on to the market. I understand the sale of the collection will exceed $45 million," Mr Mowbray said.

A total of 1170 lots will be sold during the three day NZ sale.

Sothebys' stamp consultant Richard Ashton said British collector Sir Gawaine Baillie's collection of NZ stamps must rank as his most accomplished of all his collections.

"New Zealand has a richness and diversity almost without equal in the philately of the British Empire and very few collectors have been able to embrace it in its entirety."

Sir Gawaine was brought up in his mother's home of Leeds Castle and got into motor racing. He competed in numerous championships, including Le Mans 24 Hours, Goodwood, Aintree, Silverstone and the Tour de France. He won the 1965 Longford event in Tasmania.

- NZPA