It had come for sale at Gildings in Market Harborough from a Leicestershire household where it had been for many years.
Standing 5ft 6in (1.55m) high, it was in good condition with only a small percentage of the ivory, mother of pearl and coral elements missing.
Six phone bidders and multiple internet bidders opened a contest at £4000 with the final throes between two members of EU-based trade on the phones.
“Due to the ivory content, interested parties had to seriously consider the implications of being the successful buyer and the difficulties of moving it outside the EU,” added Gilding. “The final price shows that this was one of the best of its type to come to auction in recent years, be it in London rooms or the provinces.”
The sale took place on September 27 and the buyer’s premium was 15%.
