CREDIT crunch? What credit crunch? A Napoleonic sculpture netted a record price for Ely auctioneers on Tuesday as the art world continues to see unexpected investment. The bronze horseman in a storm went for more than twice its asking price, as the unna

CREDIT crunch? What credit crunch? A Napoleonic sculpture netted a record price for Ely auctioneers on Tuesday as the art world continues to see unexpected investment.

The bronze 'horseman in a storm' went for more than twice its asking price, as the unnamed buyer eventually secured the sculpture for £28,000. Sculptor Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier was one of many artists to document every step of Napoleon Bonaparte's efforts at conquering Europe during the nineteenth century - but the previous record price for one of his sculptures was just £13,000.

Roddy Lloyd, managing director of Rowley's Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers on Downham Road, said the company were surprised to have made the sale during an economic downturn and added that the whole sale, at Tattersalls in Newmarket, had seen success.

"People have obviously still got money to spend," he told the Ely Standard.

"Although the housing market may have gone through the floor, people are choosing to make improvements to their own homes - improving the furniture, artworks and fittings or building extensions, rather than buying a new property. There is still a lot of money around."

Bronze sculptures by the artist Meissonier have their home in museums in Washington DC and Lyon, France.