A fascinating and valuable collection of over 80 historic maps detailing Cornwall and the Scilly Isles through the centuries is to go on sale.

The collection is the work of 40 years by Peter Dewhurst, who was brought up in Bodmin but emigrated to South Carolina in America in the 1960s.

Mr Dewhurst, who is now in his seventies, said he wanted someone else to get as much pleasure out of the collection as he had done.

"I am happy to know that the maps and charts which have given me so much pleasure over the years will soon be enjoyed and studied by new owners in new places."

Among the highlights to go up for sale at Bonhams in London is the first printed map of Cornwall from the first county atlas of England and Wales produced in 1576 during the reign of Elizabeth I.

The delightfully coloured and detailed map is estimated to fetch up to £8,000 at auction. The map was revised many times under subsequent monarchs and there are also editions in the sale from 1654, during the reign on Charles 1, and 1689 and 1693, when William and Mary were on the throne, showing changes which had taken place in the county and demonstrating the increasingly refined techniques of the map makers.

There are several maps of Cornwall from overseas in the sale, including a colourful and exceptionally clear Dutch map from 1659, which it is thought could sell for between £400 and £600, and a maritime map, also in Dutch, which shows the first printed representation of the Scilly Isles, estimated at worth £1,500 to £2000.

A fine maritime map engraved for the Neptune Français, a French, state sponsored publishing venture, valued at between £1,000 and £1,500 is described as particularly interesting by the auction house. The sale will take place on September 27.