Art+Object rare books manager Pam Plumbly, formerly of Dunedin, said the late Mr Saxton's career spanned four decades, from when he played for Otago, Southland and the All Blacks in the 1930s and 1940s, captained the Kiwis 2nd Expeditionary Force team in 1945-46, coached the Otago rugby team in the 1950s, managed the All Blacks on the 1967 tour to Britain, France and Canada, and was president of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.
''There was quite literally nothing he did not do or contribute to the world of rugby,'' she said.
In 1978, he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby.
He also played first-class cricket for Otago from 1934-39.
Mrs Plumbly said the collection consisted of more than 500 individual items, including rare rugby balls, jerseys, match programmes, photographs, crests and gifts that recorded a lifetime of involvement in the game.
The most expensive items for auction are South African captain Danie Craven's rugby jersey (estimate $6000-$9000), and a World War 1 All Blacks cap, jersey badge and clipping ($5000-$8000).
The collection also includes rare items Mr Saxton collected on the 1938 tour to Australia, including a jersey he swapped with his opposite number, Wallabies halfback Ces Romalli.
Another sought-after item is the original woollen jersey Mr Saxton wore when Otago won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 1935 against Canterbury.
The earliest items date to the 1880s.
Mr Saxton's grandson, Hamish Saxton, said while the Saxton family were sad to part with the memorabilia, they felt it was now time to share the unique items with rugby enthusiasts and collectors from New Zealand and around the world.
''Such historic items require new curators and contemporary expertise for their ongoing protection and enjoyment.
''We were so fortunate to be a part of Charlie's extraordinary life and history, and we will continue to cherish and retain those precious memories.''
