Guns with Which Napoleon Planned to Kill Himself Sell for Over $1.83 Million in France

In a poignant auction event at the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau, France, two flintlock pistols once owned by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte have captured global attention. These historic firearms, originally estimated to fetch between €1.2 million and €1.5 million ($1.3 million to $1.63 million), were ultimately sold for a staggering €1.69 million ($1.83 million). 

Summarized Insights:

• Napoleon's pistols sell for $1.83 million.

• Guns were intended for suicide.

• Designated as National Treasures in France.

• Reflects enduring interest in Napoleonic history.

• Highlights auction market for historic artifacts.

This sale not only underscores the enduring fascination with Napoleon's legacy but also highlights the premium placed on artifacts connected to pivotal moments in history.

Napoleon's connection to these pistols is deeply personal and dramatic. 

They were given to his close confidant, Armand de Caulaincourt, shortly after Napoleon's attempted suicide in April 1814. 

Facing the imminent collapse of his empire amid battles with a coalition of European states, Napoleon contemplated ending his life rather than surrendering. 

These pistols, then, symbolize not just a moment of personal crisis for Napoleon but also the turbulent end of an era that reshaped Europe.

The significance of these pistols extends beyond their historical context. 

Designated as National Treasures by the French government, their sale ensures they remain within the country, reflecting France's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. 

This status also restricts their movement across borders, cementing their place in French history and identity.

The auction of Napoleon's pistols is part of a broader trend where artifacts linked to significant historical figures command substantial sums. 

Last year, another of Napoleon's iconic hats fetched €1.932 million ($2.1 million), setting a record for Napoleonic memorabilia. 

These high prices not only reflect their rarity and historical importance but also the intense competition among collectors and institutions to own tangible pieces of history.

Napoleon Bonaparte continues to fascinate scholars, historians, and collectors alike. 

His legacy, marked by military conquests, political reforms, and eventual downfall, resonates across centuries. 

The sale of these pistols serves as a poignant reminder of Napoleon's complex character and the turbulent times in which he lived and ruled.

The pistols themselves are housed in a beautifully crafted Burr walnut box with ebony inlay, lined with green velvet embroidered with Napoleon's distinctive "N" cipher and floral motifs. 

This presentation not only enhances their historical allure but also underscores their status as prized artifacts of Napoleonic history.

The emotional weight of these pistols lies in their intended purpose. 

Napoleon, after contemplating suicide following the Treaty of Fontainebleau, used poison instead of these pistols. 

Surviving the attempt, he abdicated and was exiled to Elba, marking a dramatic chapter in his life and European history.

For collectors and historians, owning such artifacts provides a tangible connection to pivotal moments in history. 

The auction of Napoleon's pistols at Osenat represents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that embody both personal and historical significance. 

Their sale not only enriches private collections but also contributes to public discourse on Napoleon's legacy and the broader impact of his rule on European history.

In conclusion, the sale of Napoleon's pistols for $1.83 million underscores the enduring allure of historical artifacts and their power to evoke the drama and complexity of past events. 

These pistols, intended for a dramatic end that never came to pass, now serve as tangible reminders of Napoleon's tumultuous reign and the profound impact he had on European history.