Napoleon Bonaparte, the former French emperor, purchased two pistols at an auction in Fontainebleau for 1.69 million euros ($ 1.8 million ), exceeding the estimated price range of 1.2 to 1.5 million euros. The homeowner’s identity remains unknown.
A carved picture of Napoleon in whole royal splendor can be seen on the guns, which are decorated with gold and silver inserts. These weapons were almost used by Napoleon, according to auction house specialist Jean-Pierre Osenat, to put an end to his life in 1814 when his army was defeated and foreign forces seized Paris. However, his magnificent steward Armand de Caulaincourt removed the flour, preventing the suicide attempt. Eventually, Napoleon thanked his squire for his devotion by giving the pistols to him.
They are considered to be national jewels, and the European state has outlawed exports of them.
A 30-month window of opportunity is created by the European Culture Ministry’s national treasures commission as a result of the export ban document, which allows the government to make an offer to the new owner who has the right to decline. However, it is necessary to return a historical home that has been designated as a national wealth.
A representative from the Osenat bid home said,” Being classified as a national treasure gives an incredible price to the object.”
Napoleon paraphernalia is very sought after by collectors, with one of his famous “bicorne” dark cocked hats selling for 1.9 million dollars in November.
Following his abandonment, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba off the Italian beach. He eventually made a spectacular return to France, but his job ended abruptly with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon spent his last ages imprisoned on the island of St Helena, where he passed away six years later.
