Napoleon's pistols that 'could have changed history' sold for over a million dollars
- Pistols believed to be owned by Napoleon were sold in France for a significant amount.
- The weapons were intended for a tragic purpose but were rendered non-functional by a grand squire.
- Despite their dark history, the pistols are considered national treasures and cannot be exported from France.
In a recent auction in France, two pistols believed to have been intended for Napoleon Bonaparte's suicide were sold for €1.69m (US$1.8m). The richly decorated guns, inlaid with gold and silver and featuring an engraved image of Napoleon in full imperial attire, were almost used by the French ruler in 1814 after his defeat and subsequent abdication. Despite his failed suicide attempt with poison, Napoleon later gifted the pistols to his loyal squire before meeting his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and dying in exile on Saint Helena six years later. The French government classified the pistols as national treasures, prohibiting their export and ensuring they remain in the country. This decision grants the objects significant value and restricts their movement outside of France, with a mandatory return policy for any temporary export. The sale of these historic weapons, created by Paris gunmaker Louis-Marin Gosset, took place at the Osenat auction house near the Fontainebleau palace, where Napoleon had contemplated taking his own life following his abdication. The auction also included the pistols' original box and various accessories, adding to the allure of owning a piece of Napoleon memorabilia. The guns' sale follows a trend of high demand for items associated with the emperor among collectors, as evidenced by a previous auction of one of his iconic black cocked hats for €1.9m. The French culture ministry now has 30 months to potentially purchase the pistols from the new owner, whose identity has not been disclosed, further ensuring their preservation within the country. The story of Napoleon's near-suicide and subsequent historical events surrounding his defeat and exile continue to captivate audiences and drive interest in artifacts linked to his tumultuous reign. The sale of these pistols serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with Napoleon Bonaparte and the significance of preserving such relics as national treasures for future generations to appreciate and study.