Valuers at a local auctioneers’ firm were forced to turn detective when an unusual piece of old machinery turned up in a house clearance.
The team at Potburys in Sidmouth found the two devices in bits at a property near the town.
Auctioneer Brinley Roberts said: “We had never seen anything like it before so we had to do a bit of research to work out what it was.”
A few internet inquiries turned up the answer.
They had discovered two sock knitting machines dating back to the late Victorian era.
And, the auctioneers were surprised at the level of interest they generated.
“Your traditional antiques like wardrobes and chests of drawers are in the doldrems really, so it is the quirky, the unusual, that attracts the money these days.” he said.
A conservative estimate of between £120 and £180 was far exceeded.
It eventually sold, including premium, for £1,460.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here