Churchill and Mussolini's papers go up for auction

A SELECTION of papers and photographs belonging to war leaders Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini are to go under the hammer in Edinburgh this month.

A collection of 22 documents belonging to Churchill, including a photo of the former Prime Minister outside Chartwell House, are expected to fetch up to 500 when they are auctioned on January 16.

The rare documents all refer to the British leader's footman John Gibson and also include photographs of Churchill's family and senior advisors.

The auction is being held by Lyon & Turnbull as part of its upcoming rare books and manuscripts sale.

Other items for sale include a telegram sent to Italian dictator Mussolini from Campertogno mayor Mose Valenti, which is expected to fetch up to 150.

Sent in 1929, it details public support for the fascist leader following the signing of the Lateran Treaties in Rome, by which he gave power over the Vatican City back to the Pope.

A rare, signed wartime photo of Churchill by leading photographer Walter Stoneman will also go under the hammer.

Experts have estimated that the picture is likely to attract the interest of collectors and could make more than 1500.