A MAP collection worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and the possessions of the Queen’s favourite Butler are set to go under the hammer.

Last month a 300-year-old map of the Philippines – described as the Holy Grail for collectors – broke records after it was sold for £260,000.

The price was the highest paid for a single lot in the 138-year history of Reeman Dansie Auctions, based in Colchester.

Only 15 copies of the 1734 Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines are believed to have survived.

The map was part of a remarkable collection gathered throughout the 1970s and 80s by the late Christopher Beresford-Jones.

The first 90 lots were sold at auction in September, with the second half set to go under the hammer next Wednesday.

Auctioneer Daniel Wright said the staggering collection had been found in one of the collector’s wardrobes.

“The quality of the collection is reflected in both parts of the sale – with 140 lots encompassing in excess of 300 maps,” he said.

“We are expecting international interest in this auction.

“It taps into a market which is very, very passionate.

“You have specific societies that have been set up for maps covering the Philippines region.

“Historically with that region in terms of cartography it was mapped fairly late.

“There were the major trade routes from Philippines in the 16th and 17th centuries, where these maps were absolutely invaluable.”

To be sold at auction on Tuesday is a A collection of royal items formerly belonging to Ernest Bennett, who died in 1989 at the age of 77, will also be sold at auction on Tuesday.

Mr Bennett worked his way up after starting his career as a footman at Chatsworth for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

He became a butler, working for a short while in the mid 1930s for Hollywood star Fred Astaire.

He returned to England and in 1936 secured a position with Major General The Earl of Athlone and his wife Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, who lived at The Clock House at Kensington Palace.

The listing said: “He was an excellent butler; quiet thoughtful, discreet and attentive.

“His reputation in Royal circles was such that in 1949 Princess Elizabeth asked her Great Uncle to release Bennett from his service so that he could go to work for her.

“He accompanied the Princess to Kenya for her fateful trip in 1952 and was there in the same year she became Queen.”

His collection, gathered across a decades long career with the royal family, includes medals, cufflinks and goblets and is anticipated to fetch anywhere between £20,000 and £30,000.

Auctioneer James Grinter said: “This originated from a relation of Mr Bennett.

“It was thought it would be best enjoyed by collectors rather than simply left untouched.

“There are lots interesting things there, including some wonderful signed wartime portrait photographs of Winston Churchill.

“Things to do with Winston Churchill are always sought after.

“He was a hugely interesting character – a footman at Chatsworth who ended up as the Queen’s butler.

“He was very well thought of and was granted a home at Kensington Palace.”

The Royalty, Antiques and Fine Art Sale will run across Tuesday and Wednesday at Reeman Dansie, in Wyncolls Road.