A FLUTE made from a policeman’s truncheon was one of the items up for sale at a recent auction.

Stringed instruments attracted some fierce bidding at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, which auctioning a range of scientific and musical instruments.

Violins and double basses were particularly in demand, with bidding from multiple buyers on telephones, online and in the sale room. The top lot of the day was a Flat Back Double Bass, which sold for £14,000.

Two violins by Paul Bailly and H Derazey each sold for £3,200 and a violin bow stamped Gustave Bernardel proved particularly in demand, finally selling for £3,500.

There were a number of intriguing objects, including a playable novelty flute made out of a wooden police truncheon. It sold for £220 against an estimate of £50 to £80.

Elsewhere in the sale an interesting and unusual private collection of pharmaceutical items drew the attention of collectors, resulting in good prices for the highly collectable and decorative glass chemists' jars. A lot of sixty clear glass chemists' rounds sold for £700 against an estimate of £200 to £300, and a 19th century Declomania Pharmacy Jar sold for £600 against an estimate of £400 to £500.

Tennants is currently accepting lots for the next sale of scientific and musical instruments, cameras and tools in early 2018.

Contact the auction house on 01969-623780 or email; enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk for details.