yeah, thats the kind of thing that is odd, along with dumping family history. Normally a collection like this in the UKicon would go intact to a museum collection, small or large, as an extended loan with the families name for the glory of it all, big and proud for all to see. Its odd to break it up.
250 pieces at 20 gbp ea equals what, $7500? so I guess there some money in it.