A collection of more than 100 vintage pianos will go up for auction next month.

The staggering array of instruments, which includes 46 grand pianos dating back to the 1700s, is expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds when sold at the Canterbury Auction Galleries.

The collection - started in 1944 by Cecil Colt and currently stored in Bethersden - is bound to draw interest from worldwide piano enthusiasts.

Mr Colt bought pianos from across the globe until his death in 1985 when his collection was managed by his widow, Barbara.

He made his fortune designing and building high-quality factory-made timber homes and his inspiration for the collection is said to have begun during the Second World War when he was shown a spinet that had been built by a friend.

After her death two years ago, executors of the family estate decided to sell the instruments - five of which have already been sold at another auction last year.

Now, the remainder will be sold in Canterbury, with a Shudi & Broadwood double manual harpsichord estimated to fetch £60,000.

Dozens are also expected to go into five and four figure sums but others are predicted to be snapped for about £500.

Tony Pratt - managing director of Canterbury Auction Galleries - said: “We are honoured that the Colt Clavier Collection has chosen us to conduct this unique sale.

“Charles Colt died in 1985 and the collection continued under the management of his widow and the trustees.

“Sadly Mrs Lore Barbara Colt passed away in 2016, leaving the trustees to make the hard decision to sell.

“A number of the instruments belonging to Mrs Colt were sold previously by Piano Auctions, leaving 114 keyboard instruments and other musical instruments and memorabilia that Mr Colt had acquired during his life.

“It is hoped that these will be once more enjoyed and played again.”

The auction, which has 187 lots, starts at 10am on Thursday, June 7. Viewing times for the collection are on June 3, 4, 5, and 6 at The Colt Hall in Bethersden.