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A 16th century globe bought at an antiques fair for £150 during the pandemic has sold for £116,000 after sparking a worldwide bidding war, The Independent reports.

The carved wood and paper sphere, which dates to either the 1550s or the 1560s, was found after being brought by its owner to a free valuation event, Hansons Auctioneers said.

At the time it was made, no European had set foot on or even sighted Australia and the landmass is missing from the artefact.

Its mapped sides, made from carefully engraved paper panels known as gores, also include sea monsters while North America is described in Latin as “Devicta ann 1530” or “conquered in 1530”.

And it was from the continent that the winning online bid came, as a purchaser in New York topped offers from four other would-be buyers.

The globe smashed its upper estimate of £30,000, although experts had said its age and rarity effectively made it “priceless”.

The female seller, who watched the sale live from her home in Wales, said she was left in “shock” after it fetched six figures.

She said: “I thought I was pushing the boat out at £150 when I bought it during the pandemic.

“I had no idea it was so important and valuable.

“I watched the auction with my friend, my husband and a glass of wine.

“My friend was crying,

“I was in shock and my husband was totally and utterly dumbstruck.

“It goes without saying that I’m delighted.”