A couple were pleasantly surprised when their porcelain antique was sold for £1,400 to an American buyer last month.

The pair thought the Meissen piece was worth just under £100 when they entered it in a newly created auction at Bourne Hall in Ewell.

Auctioneer John Freeze says: "It was a really lovely couple. They were expecting £50 to £100. I thought it would make a little more."

After their success, they are now putting an egg chair forward for the next auction this month.

The auction is broadcast online to buyers around the world and has a catalogue including everything from cutlery and gold to artworks and memorabilia.

Mr Freeze, who owns Johnny Cash Pawnbrokers in Epsom High Street, says they featured in the last series of Channel 4’s Auction House, a TV show based at Lots Road Auctions.

He says: "I thought, we can do this. I would like to bring Lots Road, Chelsea, to Epsom."

JF General Auctions; Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell; Friday, March 20; viewing from 11am, auction 1pm; www.jfdaughters.co.uk