Two pistols owned by the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, with which he once intended to end his life were sold for €1.69 million ($1.8 million) at an auction in Fontainebleau, south of Paris. The final sale price exceeded the estimated range of €1.2-1.5 million. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed.
One week ahead of the sale of the pistols, the National Treasures Commission of the French Culture Ministry had classified the weapons as national treasures and placed a ban on their export. The decision was published in the government’s official journal. This means the French government now has 30 months to make a purchase offer to the new owner, who has not been named. Whatever its value and age, a cultural property qualified as a national treasure can leave France only temporarily, with a mandatory return.
Historical Significance of the Pistols
The richly decorated pistols inlaid with gold and silver and featuring the engraved image of Napoleon in full imperial attire, hold significant historical value. The guns and their original box also bear Napoleon’s cipher. The lid of the box is lined with green velvet embroidered with the letter N, which is bordered with embroidered flowers.
The pistols are said to have almost been used to end the French ruler’s life on the night of April 1814, when he was forced to give up power after foreign forces defeated his army and occupied Paris. After the defeat of the French campaign, he was totally depressed and wanted to commit suicide with these weapons but his grand squire removed the powder. Napoleon instead took poison but vomited and survived. He later gave the pistols to his squire, Armand de Caulaincourt, to thank him for his loyalty, who in turn passed the guns to his descendants.
This dramatic episode adds to the pistols’ historical intrigue and value.
“This pair of pistols represents the fall, the end, the abdication. Napoleon fell from the pinnacle of power. With this pair of guns, he considered committing suicide. It therefore represents the end, the image of the fall”, auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat said.
Also included in the sale were the pistols’ original box and various accessories including a powder horn and various powder tamping rods.
Interest in Napoleon Memorabilia
Memorabilia of Napoleon Bonaparte remains highly sought after among collectors. In November 2023, one of his famous “bicorne” black-cocked hats with blue, white, and red trimmings was sold for €1.9 million. These artifacts continue to draw significant interest due to their historical and cultural importance.
Napoleon’s Exile, Return and Death
Following his abdication, Napoleon went into exile on the island of Elba off the coast of Italy. He made a dramatic return to France, but was ultimately defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon spent his final years in exile on the island of St. Helena, where he died six years later.
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