Louis Armstrong, Rudyard Kipling and Brunel also among collection amassed by mother and daughter team from near Taunton

But this is not an academic list of important historical figures, it is a list of autographs collected by a mother and daughter team over decades.

The collection, dating from the 18th century through to the mid-20th century, is included in the Charterhouse collectors’ auction on Wednesday, December 16.

“It is a fascinating collection which was amassed by the owner's grandmother and mother over a number of years," said George Holtby, of Charterhouse.

"The signatures are either on letters, fragments of letters or envelopes.

“The owner, who lives near Taunton, took advantage of the free valuation service we offer and was very pleased with our pre-auction estimate of £1,000-2,000.

"We have already had a good deal of interest in the collection and I am sure it will sell well with bidding from collectors and dealers either on the phone or bidding live on the internet.”

The collection is made up of more than 70 autographs and also includes the likes of Louis Armstrong, Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds, TE Lawrence, King William IV, William Wilberforce, Duke Ellington and many others.

The autographs, most of which have not been seen in public for more than 100 years, are included in the Charterhouse collector’s auction, which also includes other ephemera, coins, medals, stamps, postcards, model cars, trains and other toys.

The auction house is accepting entries for the forthcoming auction of coins, medals, stamps and collector’s auction in December followed by pictures, books and antiques in January.

They are also taking entries for their specialist auctions of motorcycles on February 7 and classic cars on February 14.

For more information call 01935 812277 or email gh@charterhouse-auction.com