Huge unknown railwayana collection for auction

A MASSIVE undiscovered collection of steam locomotive nameplates, smokebox numberplates, shedplates and locomotive headboards is to be auctioned by Crewe Railwayana Auctions (CRA) in a postal, telephone and email action to take place on September 10-12.

The huge collection had been amassed by former Peterborough New England locomotive fireman, Kenneth Phillips, and was only discovered following his death. Now, Executors for Mr Phillips estate have appointed Neil Booth from CRA to sell the collection, with an estimated valuation of more than £250,000. The collection includes 15 nameplates and 20 smokebox numberplates from LMS Stanier 4-6-0 ‘Jubilee’ locomotives, along with 24 shedcode plates, 10 smokebox numberplates from other steam locomotives and five locomotive headboards.

Mr Phillips, a bachelor who lived alone, kept his railwayana largely hidden from others. It was unknown just how significant his collection was and its discovery has unearthed many items that had previously been thought lost.

Some of the staggering collection of railwayana discovered squirrelled away in the home of the late Kenneth Phillips. The largest part of the collection are nameplates and smokebox numberplates from LMS ‘Jubilees’, many of which were thought lost before this collection was unearthed. Crewe Railwayana Auctions