The figure had been estimated between £100-200 but ultimately took the top price for a single item ever sold at the Newbury auction house.
The bronze measures just 6in (15cm) tall and is a figure of Ganesh flanked by two figures on a lotus base and is now thought to have been made in the 13th or 14th century. It went to a member of the London trade.
The piece was contested between two bidders over the phone. One was the London bidder who had come to view the lot before the auction, and the other is believed to have been a buyer in the US.
Thomas Plant told ATG that while there had been offers of £500 and £1000 before the sale, the consignor opted to have it go under the hammer.
She had originally brought it to one of SAS’s valuation days which she attended with her sister. It was given to her by her father who acquired it in the mid-20th century while serving on the merchant navy. It was the only item she brought for valuation.
