A Yongzheng era (1722-1735) Chinese vase discovered in an attic in the Midlands has sold for £114,000 ($173,912).

The lot had been valued at just £150 ($228), an estimate it surpassed by 75,900% at Peter Francis in Carmarthen.

The vase was originally believed to be a copy

It was initially believed to be a copy. However, experts viewing the object online clearly recognised its true value.

Auctioneer Nigel Hodson told the Daily Mirror: "I started the bidding off at £500 and the internet just melted so we knew something was happening…

"It's a great result. We didn't expect anything like that. It's very satisfactory.

"It is gratifying and pleasing, although I am not greatly surprised because we thought there would be a sleeper. It's the most expensive thing I have ever sold, apart from property."

This is not the first time a vase discovered in an attic has sold for significantly over its estimate.

Another Chinese vase, in the same British family for generations, hammered for a world record £51.6m ($83m) in 2011.

However, the buyer ultimately refused to pay up. The vase was later sold in a private deal for around £25m ($38m).

There are a significant number of rare Chinese artefacts in the UK, dating back to the colonial era, and newly wealthy Chinese are keen to buy them back.

Who knows what may be lurking in your attic?

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