Resistance fighter's curious collection for sale

His efforts led to his arrest in March 1943, when he was sent by the Nazis to Germany and forced to work as a slave labourer. He managed to escape a few months later by forging a leave permit, yet even this experience did not deter him from helping Dutch Jewry and later in the war he went into hiding.

His contribution was commemorated posthumously in March 2010 when Gordon Brown awarded him and more than 20 others the Hero of the Holocaust medal for “the service of humanity”.

In 1950 Mr Huffener, then working as an artist, moved to England where he became an antique dealer and amassed his unusual collection. His first shop was named “Not the Old Pharmacy”; a thrifty update to the premises’ original use.

The 270 objects from his “Cabinet of Curiosities” are up for sale on December 15. The Surrey-based auctioneers, Ewbank Clarke Gammon Wellers, said they expect the items could sell for £40,000.

Auctioneer Chris Ewbank said: “The bravery he showed in helping Jews escape from the Netherlands was breathtaking.

“He was clearly a remarkable man and he built a collection that reflected his personality.”