Chinese Vase

Auctioneer Peter Bainbridge became so excited when he sold this Qianlong Chinese Vase for £43m ($69.3m) yesterday that he broke his gavel. Bainbridge Auctioneers isn't in the same league as Sotheby's or Christie's, and Mr Bainbridge is more used to selling second-hand fridges and cookers. His auctioneer's premium on the sale of this vase is £8.6m ($13.9m). No wonder he broke his gavel. The anonymous sellers, a brother and sister, found the vase when clearing out the bungalow of a deceased relative. They had no idea of its value and when the hammer fell - or rather broke - the sister had to leave the sale room to get some fresh air.