AN ENGRAVING made from a whale bone has been sold at auction for more than ten times its original value.

The handiwork, which is called a scrimshaw, went for £1,150 to an American collector when it was sold by Stacey's Auctioneers at The Freight House, in Bradley Way, Rochford, this week.

The picture, called “Flensing the Whale”, shows a ship and the process where a whale’s skin and blubber is stripped away after it is caught.

It was made in the early 19th century and was originally valued between £100 and £150.

Owner Mark Stacey said: “Some scrimshaws can make very good money, but there are a lot of reproductions on the market.

“It came from a local, private collector, who was clearing out his loft before Christmas.

“I would hazard a guess it was made in the 1830s to 1840s.

“There was a lot of interest but this American spotted it on the internet. The fact it’s going to an American makes it a bit more special.”

The engraving is being shipped off today from Stacey’s office in London Road, Leigh.