First Oor Wullie and The Broons albums go on sale

Areti Chavale from Bonhams looks at the very first albums from Oor Wullie and The Broons from the 1940s. Picture: PA

Auctioneers expect great interest in the three 1940s albums, which are valued at around £3,000 each.

The two Broons albums were published in 1940 and 1942 while the Oor Wullie one dates from 1941.

Bonhams said it is rare to find them in such good condition as they have usually been heavily used by children.

Book specialist Henry Baggott said: “They do turn up but the condition of them is generally very bad, covers dirty and pages missing.

“What is amazing about these is that they look like they have been untouched by human hands, least of all by children’s hands.

“I’m expecting lots of interest in them. They have appeared at auction in the past and sold very well.”

The sale also features paintings by the Scottish Colourists, with highlights including three works by Francis Cadell.

Two views of Iona are estimated at £70,000-£100,000 and £60,000-£80,000, and Summer Garden is estimated at £70,000-£90,000.

The auction will also include a wide selection of Wemyss pottery figures and a huge range of objects related to Scotland including Highland dress, silver and glass, books, furniture, whisky and ceramics.

Now in its 15th year, the Scottish sale has traditionally been held in the autumn but has now moved to its permanent new date of late spring.

The sale will take place at Bonhams Edinburgh saleroom on Queen Street over two days from April 15.