NEW SALEM — The 17th-century valuables cabinet that the Swift River Valley Historical Society sent to auction at Sotheby’s in New York City fetched $1.6 million, significantly exceeding the anticipated sale price of $600,000 to $800,000. '” said Swift River Valley Historical Society President Judith McIntosh. McIntosh said this is the largest allotment of money the historical society has ever dealt with. According to McIntosh, the Swift River Valley Historical Society is not a member of the American Alliance of Museums and, therefore, is not bound by regulations stipulating that money from sales go only toward acquiring and maintaining new pieces for its collection. She died in 1974 and was the cabinet’s final owner before she donated it to the Swift River Valley Historical Society on behalf of all the descendants of Capt.