Share this @internewscast.com

PARIS — A faded and cracked felt bicorne hat worn by Napoléon Bonaparte sold for $2.1 million at an auction of the French emperor’s belongings Sunday.

Yes, $2.1 million.

The signature broad, black hat — one of a handful still in existence that Napoléon wore when he ruled 19th-century France and waged war in Europe — was initially valued at 600,000 to 800,000 euros ($650,000-870,000). It was the centerpiece of Sunday’s auction in Fontainebleau of memorabilia collected by a French industrialist who died last year.

But the bidding quickly jumped higher and higher until Jean Pierre Osenat, president of the Osenat auction house, designated the winner.

‘’We are at 1.5 million (euros) for Napoleon’s hat … for this major symbol of the Napoleonic epoch,’’ he said, as applause rang out in the auction hall. The buyer, whose identity was not released, must pay 28.8% in commissions according to Osenat, bringing the overall cost to 1.9 million euros ($2.1 million).

While other officers customarily wore their bicorne hats with the wings facing front to back, Napoleon wore his with the ends pointing toward his shoulders. The style — known as “en bataille,” or in battle — made it easier for his troops to spot their leader in combat.

The hat on sale was first recovered by Col. Pierre Baillon, a quartermaster under Napoléon, according to the auctioneers. The hat then passed through many hands before industrialist Jean-Louis Noisiez acquired it.

The entrepreneur spent more than a half-century assembling his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, firearms, swords and coins before his death in 2022.

The sale came days before the release of Ridley Scott’s film ‘’Napoleon’’ with Joaquin Phoenix, which is rekindling interest in the controversial French ruler.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Michael Wolff Sues Melania Trump, Plans to Question Her

Michael Wolff Initiates Legal Action Against Melania Trump, Seeks to Question Her

Michael Wolff, the controversial author famous for his insider accounts of the…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Dionne talks Chicago Bears win streak, Blackhawks point streak, Fire in playoffs

ABC7 Sports Overtime: Dionne Discusses Chicago Bears’ Winning Streak, Blackhawks’ Continued Success, and Fire’s Playoff Journey

Chicago sports enthusiasts have plenty to cheer about these days, especially with…
Fetterman, McCormick Unite in Bipartisan Push to Reopen Government

Fetterman and McCormick Lead Bipartisan Charge to End Government Shutdown

On Thursday, Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) stood united…
The Louvre detective? Mystery dapper 'detective' in AP photo after the Louvre heist creates social media buzz

Mystery Man in Dapper Attire Sparks Online Frenzy After Louvre Heist

PARIS — In the aftermath of the audacious theft of the crown…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's empire, BTK's family fallout, Bryan Kohberger's money woes

Unraveling Secrets: Alex Murdaugh’s Empire Crumbles, BTK Family Faces Fallout, and Bryan Kohberger’s Financial Struggles

‘HE KNEW HOW TO SWIM:’ The mystery surrounding a tragic death in…
Neutrogena makeup remover wipes recalled over bacterial contamination

Neutrogena Recalls Makeup Wipes Due to Bacterial Contamination Concerns

More than 1,300 cases of makeup remover wipes distributed across four states…
Hollywood piano teacher allegedly flees country after sexual abuse conviction involving teen

Renowned Hollywood Piano Instructor Vanishes Overseas Following Teen Abuse Verdict

In an unexpected twist, a Hollywood piano teacher, convicted of sexually abusing…
German chancellor defends remarks on migrants suggesting citizens 'afraid to move around in public spaces'

German Chancellor Addresses Public Concerns Over Migrant Impact on Safety

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his stance on migration, asserting that…
ICE activity in Chicago today: Agents detain man near Superior and Paulina in West Town; Laugh Factory says manager detained

ICE Operations in Chicago: Agents Detain Individual Near Superior and Paulina in West Town; Laugh Factory Reports Manager’s Detention

In the heart of Chicago, the familiar scene outside the Immigration and…
US deploys Ford carrier strike group to combat narco-terror in Western Hemisphere

US Deploys Ford Carrier Strike Group to Tackle Narco-Terrorism in Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration has issued orders for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier…
Ontario premier says he'll pull ad that upset Trump so trade talks between Canada and US can resume

Ontario Premier Withdraws Controversial Ad to Reopen Canada-US Trade Dialogues

TORONTO (AP) — The Premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, announced…
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues unveiled at the Alabama Capitol

Statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller Unveiled at Alabama State Capitol

In a momentous event on Friday, the Alabama Capitol grounds witnessed the…