The collection, which auctioneer Richard Bromell described as “fabulous”, had filled the late collector’s bungalow. It comprised 300 lots, including station signs, uniforms, signal box instruments, and guards’ whistles dating back 150 years. Artefacts from both the pre-nationalisation steam era and the post-war British Rail period were represented, BBC reports.

Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne, Dorset, managed the sale, which attracted significant interest from online bidders as far away as Australia. Standout items included a Leicester Square underground sign that sold for £780 and a lamp bearing the words “Portsmouth town” which fetched £800. A Great Western Railway inspector’s cap was sold for £100.

Mr Bromell noted the enduring appeal of such items. “People love their railwayana and they love their trains,” he said. “When they see it, they want to buy it.”

The collector’s passion was reportedly sparked by an uncle who had worked on the railway.

The total hammer price was approximately £24,000, rising to £30,000 with the auctioneer’s premium.