Rhino horns sell for record $800,000 in Auckland auction

These late-19th Century Chinese carved rhinoceros horns sold for almost $800,000.

A pair of carved rhinoceros horns have been sold at auction for close to $800,000 in a record-breaking antique sale.

The pair of late-19th century Chinese carved horns were offered at Webb's Auction house in Auckland last night.

Webb's said the sale price of $797,300, paid by a telephone bidder, was the highest price paid for an antique at auction in New Zealand.

The horns, which had been owned by Sir John Budd Phear, a High Court judge in Ceylon, and passed down by descent, were expected to sell for up to $500,000.

Webb's auctioneer James Hogan said it was a pleasure to see collectors responding so passionately.

"It's not everyday you get to offer such remarkable quality," he said.