A silver cigar box that belonged to a Nazi leader sold for £2,000 more than its valuation in an international militaria auction.

The box, given to Hermann Goring for his 50th birthday in 1943 sold for £3200 on Friday, against a catalogue estimate of £800-1200.

The box was gifted by German Field Marshall Milch whose father was Jewish and thereby lived in Goring’s "protection" during the Second World War.

J P Humbert Auctioneers reported vigorous bidding both in the room, online and on phone lines but the item finally sold to an anonymous phone bidder.

Auctioneer Jonathan Humbert said: "These results show the continued fascination with high-ranking members of the Nazi Party and the excesses they indulged in.

"Many of these items have now been purchased by museums and private collectors and will continue to both fascinate and revile people in equal measure."

Seven other Gorring-related items also sold well above estimate totalling £9300 including a large silver bowl, a silver desk set and an ivory letter opener given to him by the Japanese Government C1943.