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
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's money man, Charles Manson's cult, 'Smiley Face' killer theory

The Untold Story of Alex Murdaugh: Greed and Corruption Topple a Lowcountry Legal Dynasty

The dramatic saga of Alex Murdaugh, a once-respected legal figure from South…
State Department warns Hamas may violate ceasefire with attack on Palestinian civilians

State Department Alerts: Potential Ceasefire Breach by Hamas Threatens Palestinian Civilians

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning about “credible…
78-year-old man missing in Oregon may have fallen in hole; police ask for help

Urgent Search: Oregon Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing 78-Year-Old Man Feared Fallen in Hole

In a bid to locate a missing elderly resident, Oregon authorities are…
On is sued over running shoe's allegedly "loud, embarrassing" squeak

Running Shoe Company Faces Lawsuit Over Annoying Squeaky Noise

The popular running shoe brand, On, is facing legal action from several…
Camp Pendleton: I-5 freeway closed due to Marines anniversary event in Southern California

Camp Pendleton: I-5 Freeway Closure Announced for Marines Anniversary Celebration in Southern California

In a significant disruption, a 17-mile portion of the I-5 freeway in…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…
Parents of 2 US citizens demand return of their sons’ bodies and all deceased hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Families of Two U.S. Citizens Urge for the Repatriation of Their Sons’ Bodies and All Deceased Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

Two American citizens remained among the hostages killed by Hamas as of…
Young Republicans' Leaked Chats Show How Personal Feuds Are Increasingly Being Weaponized

Leaked Chats Expose Rising Trend of Personal Feuds Among Young Republicans

If you’ve only skimmed the recent headlines, you might assume that the…
Rapper D4vd claimed he 'trained' Celeste Hernandez -- who joked about 'raping kids' in resurfaced Twitch video: 'Delete everything'

Controversial Twitch Past: D4vd’s Connection to Celeste Hernandez’s Shocking Comments Revealed

Recent attention has turned towards rapper D4vd following the discovery of a…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Unlock Amazon Prime’s Exclusive Holiday Gas Discount: Step-by-Step Guide to Redeem Your Savings

Amazon is bringing some relief to its Prime members with a special…
'No Kings' protests take place in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville Protests Ignite: ‘No Kings’ Movement Challenges Authority

Protesters took to the streets in Jacksonville on Saturday, showcasing an array…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…