The saleroom said: “Rarely offered at auction, this late 19th century model had a twin glockenspiel accompaniment, and a superb tonal quality when played.” The estimate was £3000-5000.
A rare early cello sold for £50,000, five times the top estimate, in the Leyburn, North Yorkshire auction, “having attracted keen private and trade bidders from around the country”.
Tennants said “The wonderful instrument had a 20 3/16in two-piece back, and according to accompanying paperwork from a stringed instrument specialist, the cello dated from the late 18th century and was probably English.”
From the same vendor was a good cello bow, stamped C Thomasin a Paris, a well-regarded maker, which sold for £8000 (guide £2500-3000).