Two antique pistols once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte were auctioned in France for €1.69m (US$1.8m), according to the auction house's statement, with the French government banning their export to keep them as national treasures within the country.
The identity of the purchaser at the Fontainebleau event south of Paris was not revealed publicly; however, the final selling price, including fees, surpassed estimates between €1.2-1ranp. The ornately decorated pistols feature an engraving of Napoleon in his imperial regalia and are believed to have been nearly utilized for suicide by him after 1814, when he relinquished power following a defeat by foreign armies who had taken control of Paris.
Jean-Pierre Osenat from the auction house stated prior to the sale that Napoleon was despondent and wanted to end his life using these weapons but they were prevented as his squire removed the gunpowder, after which Napoleon took poison but expelled it later. He then rewarded his loyal squire with these pistols.
Following his abdication in 1814, Napoleon went into exile on Elba Island and returned to France briefly before ultimately losing power during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. His demise occurred six years later while residing in Saint Helena.
Collectors highly value items associated with Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
A notable "bicorne" black hat with its blue, white and red adornments once worn by the emperor sold for €1.9m in November of the previous year.
The French culture ministry classified these weapons as national treasures and issued a ban on their export before their sale, as mentioned in the government's official publication last Saturday. This certificate grants the French government a 30-month period to potentially acquire from the new owner who can reject any purchase offer.
Whether old or young, an object declared as national treasure under French law must only leave the country temporarily and return at some point.
A representative of Osenat auction house stated, "Being recognized as a national treasure significantly increases the value of the item."
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