A rare musical instrument found in Powys has been sold for thousands of pounds at a recent auction.

Shropshire fine art auctioneers Halls hit the top note at their auction this week when an early 20th century violincello (cello) sold for £3,600.

The cello, was brought in by a Montgomery vendor, and picked up the top price at the auction – despite being in need of restoration work.

The instrument was originally made in Mittenwald in Germany but was discovered in Mid Wales.

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The picturesque German town in the Bavarian Alps was established as a major centre for violin making in the early 18th century and still has a reputation for making fine stringed instrument to this day.

The violincello was originally sold by dealers John & Arthur Beare of 179, Wardour Street in London back in 1946 to a relative of the vendor.

“We discovered the violincello at one of our bi-monthly antiques valuation events in Montgomery,” said Alexander Clement, Halls Fine Art’s senior general valuer and Asian art specialist.

“Despite currently being unplayable and needing restoration work, it attracted interest because it was by a known and sought after maker and had had very good provenance.”

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The Halls Fine Art’s auction in Shrewsbury is now very established and specialises in the sale of pictures, ceramics, collectables and modern design.

Also at the auction two investiture chairs made a mark. The pair that were made for the Investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales, at Caernarfon Castle in 1969, sold for £1,450 and £550.

The highest priced chair, which was unassembled and in its original box, included the official souvenir programme, ceremonial programme and the itinerary of the Royal family during the day of the investiture.

The chair was acquired by the late Councillor Harold Taylor, a member of Denbighshire County Council who was invited to the investiture ceremony.