Napoleon's favourite pipe lights up sale

VICTORIA Clarke, a member of staff at auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull, was sampling Napoleon's favourite pipe, ahead of its sale this week.

The silver mounted pipe valued at 800 bears the maker's mark EW and is carved with Napoleon's double eagle armorial crest.

The pipe comes with a handwritten note stating that it was purchased at the sale of his affects, Longwood House, St Helena, 1821, from the Briar collection.

Longwood House was the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on the island of Saint Helena, from 10 December, 1815 until his death on 5 May, 1821.

The pipe will be sold at auction on Wednesday.