A Regency mahogany desk based on a design for Napoleon and attributed to George Bullock circa 1815 was the top lot of Christie's English Collector sale in London on November 14.
The desk realised £110,500 ($177,021) - up 10.5% on a £100,000 ($161,600) high estimate.
 The desk cost £68.5s in 1815, which equates to around £5,146 ($8,301) today |
It is allegedly the double of a design commissioned by a young George IV, for Napoleon's use in exile in St Helena.
Bullock (1777-1818), known as one of the most refined English cabinetmakers of the period, was commissioned to provide furnishings for the exiled Napoleon at New Longwood House.
He worked from his showroom in Bold Street, Liverpool, and was widely feted for his elaborate use of marquetry and gilt metal detailing.
A George II mahogany daybed attributed to Paul Saunders circa 1755 made £104,500 ($167,409), representing an increase of 4.5% on a £100,000 ($161,600) high estimate.
 The daybed features elaborate carvings and is upholstered in red cotton damask |
Saunders was a respected London-based furniture designer who produced the bed according to a design by Thomas Chippendale.
It was probably built for Grosvenor House, London, the family home of Richard, 1st Earl Grosvenor who succeeded his father in 1755.
The daybed combines the French "picturesque" fashion with Roman classical elements that were popular at the time.
No other example conforming to this design is known, making it likely that this is a unique example of Regency craftsmanship.
We have a selection of antique furniture available, including this Demi-Lune commode by John Linnell - arguably the greatest English cabinetmaker of the era.
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