The one-off credenza, thought to date from between 1880 and 1900, was sold by Ward and Chowen auctioneers on Tuesday, March 12, from a starting price of £1,200. For valuer Peter Bowyer the sale marks the culmination of dedicated research into the origins of the piece.
The antique sideboard is described as an aesthetic movement credenza produced by Lamb of Manchester, and is walnut decorated with exquisite inlaid marquetry.
'We would have been happy with half the amount it actually fetched. It was a nice way to crown a good sale after a lot of work,' said Mr Bowyer.
Mr Bowyer first came across the credenza four or five years ago and has undertaken extensive research into the aesthetic movement.
'It couldn't have been better, if the piece had been on sale in London, it wouldn't have made any more, so the sale is good news for Tavistock,' said Mr Bowyer.
The auction was conducted by Neil Woolcock and the credenza was eventually bought by a Dartmoor antiques trader.