Eau de whale intestine may not sound too alluring.
But a rare lump of vomit secreted from the intestine of a sperm whale is so sought-after by perfumers that it could fetch a five-figure sum at auction in Macclesfield, Cheshire, later this month.
Also known as ambergris or "floating gold", the grey, waxy substance consists largely of undigested squid beaks and is used as a "fixative" in high-end perfumes, sealing in fragrances.
The lump, weighing nearly a kilo, was found on the Welsh island of Anglesey by a dog and his owner, who remembered hearing about the valuable material on TV.
It is now being held under lock and key by Adam Partridge Auctioneers, with a conservative guide price of around $12,000 to $17,000.
