BY GEORGE BULLOCK, 1816

This table formed part of the extensive furnishings supplied by George Bullock for Napoleon's use at his residence, Longwood House, whilst in exile on St. Helena following the Emperor's defeat at Waterloo in 1815 It was supplied in 1816 at a cost of £3 10, and was listed in Bullock's account as in 'room 10 - Bedroom for General contd'. (Levy, op. cit. p.113). Following Napoleon's death on 5 May 1821, an inventory was taken under 'the charge of A Darling 12th, 15th and 25th May 1821', where the table is listed as one of '2 Small Mahogany Tables. (ibid., p. 152).
Darling in fact later purchased this table at the sale of 'Effects at Longwood belonging to the late Emperor Napoleon', which took place from 1 April - 12 August, 1822 on St. Helena. It was most probably lot 27, 'Small Mahogany Table', included on the first day's sale, April 1st, 1822. The auctioneers book recorded that 'Mr. Darling' purchased the table for '£1 18s -d' (ibid., p. 169).
It was subsequently re-sold by the late Mrs. Randolph Berens, on 18 June 1924, lot 99. The catalogue entry for this sale interestingly notes that 'This table was formerly in the possession of Napoleon Bonaparte, the hole burns by Napoleon burning pastiles, and purchased at the sale of his effects at Longwood by Mr. Andrew Darling, St. Helena, 1821'.