![1830NE01A.jpg](https://gazette-eu-west2.azureedge.net/media/4324/1830ne01a.jpg?width=750&height=500&mode=max&updated=08%2f03%2f2017+16%3a46%3a57)
Although catalogued as 19th century, it was recognised by specialists who viewed it as a handsome survivor from the reign of the emperor Qianlong (1735-1795), albeit with one of the ram's head handles reattached.
Bidding on February 19 came down to two combatants: a London dealer in the room and one of seven bidders on the phone, a London Asian specialist who won it at £31,000 (plus 14 per cent buyer's premium).