British royal memorabilia sale sparks bidding frenzy

By Jeremy Lovell

LONDON (Reuters) - A unique collection of British royalty memorabilia amassed over half a century by a household family servant sparked an international bidding frenzy on Saturday that doubled its value when it went under the hammer.

The private collection including pictures, cards, notes, cups and outfits built up by William Tallon, affectionately known as "Backstairs Billy" for his final role as Steward and Page of the Backstairs, fetched 450,000 pounds ($892,800).

The auction lasted more than 10 hours and took nearly double the pre-sale estimates.

Auctioneers Reeman Dansie of Colchester in southeastern England said bidders had flown in from around the world, particularly Canada and the United States.

Among the treasure trove of 700 items was a note from the Queen Mother, known for enjoying a tipple, instructing Tallon to pack "two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin ... in case it is needed."

Expected to fetch up to 300 pounds. it eventually went to a phone bidder for 16,000 pounds.

Top-priced item was a portrait of the Queen Mother by Sir James Gunn, dated November 1945, which went for 30,000 pounds -- five times its top pre-sale estimate.

Also among the collection were several notes from Princess Diana to Tallon.