With a scrolling flowerhead design and three tapering opalescent striped glass shades by James Powell & Co of Whitefriars, a similar model is pictured in the original Benson catalogue of Electric Light Designs published in WAS Benson: Arts and Crafts Luminary and Pioneer of Modern Design by Ian Hamerton, but it is not identical.
Several bidders were prepared to pay well above the £2500-3500 estimate at the auction on May 13 for a rare design but just two combatants were involved above £10,000.
A second WAS Benson electrolier - also part of a group of 'ready to go' Arts and Crafts lights from the same retiring trade consignor - was a more recognisable design with three copper petal shades forming a flowerhead and four hanging 'bud' shades, again by Powell.
It sold online at £8200 - a price more in keeping with the previous upper levels for ceiling lights by Benson.
The buyer's premium was 20%.
