A STAMP collection which has been left untouched for more than six years could fetch up to £20,000 when it goes under the hammer next week.

The incredible set was found during a routine valuation by collectables expert Michael Bowles from Colchester auctioneers Reeman Dansie on Wyncolls Road on Wednesday.

Mr Bowles said he had rarely seen anything like this during his long career.

He said: “On a routine house valuation in a very old cottage I was asked to give an opinion on the value of a small stamp collection.

“After unwrapping the black dustbin bag in which the collection was contained I discovered on single album pages and old auction folders with some dating from 1949-1950.

“It is the most wonderful and rare collection of GB stamps including colour trials, essays, die proofs and individual high value stamps.

“I have been involved in stamps for 50 years and it is every collector’s dream to discover a collection of this rarity.”

Mr Bowle’s said the collection had been unknown to the seller, who lives in the Colchester area, and had sat untouched in the loft of the cottage for decades.

He said: “They were sat in the dustbin of the loft and had been there since 1950.

“By collecting them and storing them away untouched, someone has done another person an absolutely massive favour..

“We have had lots of stamps in over the years but this is probably the best collection I have ever seen.”

The stamps have been split into approximately 50 different lots with some single stamps costing hundreds of pounds and one orange fine mint copy stamp dated from 1940 expected to fetch £2,000 alone.

Alongside the stamps, highlights from the sale also includes guitars which were specially made for legendary rock’n’roll bassist Jack Bruce.

The Scottish musician performed alongside Eric Clapton in supergroup Cream as well as having a successful solo career.

He has been hailed as one of the best bassists of his generation.

The instruments are expected to be sold for between £2,500 and £3,500 apeice.