An exceptionally large oak refectory dining table made for a prep school in Leeds in the 1930s sold for £42,000 (plus 22% buyer’s premium) on November 22-23.

The table is thought to be the largest piece of furniture from the Kilburn workshop to come to market. The top alone, made from a single piece of adzed English oak measures 19ft (5.82m) long. To each end is a carved mouse signature and the date 1937.

It was one of two massive refectory tables and eight benches offered for sale by the Methodist Independent Schools Trust ahead of the formal closure of Moorlands School at the end of this year. The school opened 127 years ago in 1898 but has struggled due to financial issues, including VAT on fees and rising costs.

The second table with a four-plank top and similar stretcher base measured 16ft (4.88m) and is dated 1935. It was thought to have been donated by a former pupil and had been in near daily use for 90 years. Guided at £5000-8000, it hammered at £36,000, selling to a different phone bidder – this time from Hawaii.

Auctioneer Caroline Hawley said: “Two superb results. Two new records. One unforgettable auction. I’d like to thank all our bidders, the hard-working Hawleys team and Mouseman enthusiasts for making this a landmark moment.”