The stamp on the locking mechanism is thought to be that of William Bullock of Soho, who took out patents for various mechanisms between 1801 and 1813. A tilt-top breakfast-table also stamped 'BULLOCK PATENT' was sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 14 November 1996, lot 69, while one stamped 'BULLOCK', with massive lion-paw feet was sold from the collection of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fenton Braithwaite, Sotheby's London, 5 July 1991, lot 196 (C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p. 20 and 123, fig. 162).