Pitched at £200-300, this Russian diptych icon shown below triggered wide pre-sale Russian and East European interest ahead of Elstob & Elstob’s 20% buyer’s premium) sale at Bedale.

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Terence Ryle

Probably 19th century, the 13¾in (35cm) high hinged arched panels opened to reveal a brass cross.

Provenanced to Keith Schellenberg’s former Richmond home of historic Nicholas House, which the 90-year-old buccaneering businessman sold last year, the icon was bought by an Eastern European bidder for £6800 at the North Yorkshire auction.