A NINETEENTH century whalebone walking stick has sold at auction in Wareham for an astonishing £11,000.

The ornately decorated cane, carved from whalebone with tortoiseshell inlaid, was bought by two London-based dealers following tense bidding.

The final price, reached during a live sale at Cottees Auctions in Wareham, surpassed all expectations, said auctioneer John Condie.

He explained that men aboard whaling ships would while away their hours at sea by fashioning and engraving pieces of whalebone or whale’s teeth into artwork, which could be sold when they returned to shore. This was often referred to as sailorwork or scrimshaw.

“The panbone was long enough to produce a tapering stick which could be inlaid and decorated and intricately carved,” said John.

The cane was put up for sale by a local couple, who discovered it among their mother’s possessions when clearing her house. John said: “I was initially excited about the stick and after a lot of research into its history was able to contact many dealers and collectors of marine antiques, who were interested in buying it.

“On the day of the auction five telephone lines were booked with eager bidders as well as bidders online, including many from abroad.”

The vendors, who listened intently to the auction online, were reportedly overwhelmed by the final price.

John added: “This goes to prove that you do not have to take items to London or place them into specialist sales to get the top price these days.

“Our online internet service means that we can sell items anywhere in the world.”