A well-known collector originally from Canberra, whose mother was instrumental in getting him started at age 16, is disposing of the last vestiges of his vast collection from 10.30am tomorrow at Woodlands Auctions 16 Grubb Street, Ocean Grove.

The collector (who declined to be named) built up his massive hoard over more than 40 years and has spent the past four steadily selling it off through various auction houses throughout Australia, simply because the collection became too big to lug around.

The old and unusual telephones are on display throughout Amanda Addams Auctions rooms at 344 High Street, Kew in readiness for Monday night’s auction, which begins at 6.30pm, and an immediate drawcard to all who enter.

They are testimony to the persevering skills of the late Fred Turner, who spent about 25 years building an eclectic collection of anything remotely scientific, mechanical or instrumental in nature including scales, projectors, microscopes, magic lanterns and telephones.