Downing Street sign withdrawn from auction - 22/01/2010

Bonhams has withdrawn a Downing Street sign from auction following a dispute over its authenticity.

The 19th century sign was due to go on sale as part of the auction house's Gentleman's Library Sale, but was taking off the lots list after it was suggested that it was not in fact used in London, never mind at the famous address.

A councillor from Cambridge voiced their concern, suggesting the sign could have been from that city. As a result, the sign was withdrawn.

A spokesperson for the auction house said: "Somebody questioned the provenance of it and when that happens we always withdraw the item from sale. We can't go ahead and sell something until we know what it is."

The sign had initially been due to go under the hammer on Wednesday, and was expected to fetch up to £6,000.

Discounting Tony Blair's move to number 11 Downing Street, the famous number 10 residence has housed the British prime minister since 1730.