Downing Street sign purportedly from iconic London street pulled after Cambridge claims it

Downing Street sign withdrawn over seller’s doubts

LONDON — A British auctioneer says it will not sell a 19th century street sign it had claimed once graced the most famous street in British politics.

Bonhams hoped the cast iron “Downing Street” sign would fetch up to 6,000 pounds (nearly $10,000) at auction Wednesday.

But it was withdrawn from the sale after a city councilor in Cambridge said he thought it came from his city’s Downing Street — not London’s.

The London street has been associated with the office of Britain’s prime minister for nearly three centuries.

The London and Cambridge roads were named for 17th century property speculator Sir George Downing and his grandson, respectively.