Napoleon's iconic hat leads stunning auction of French emperor's prized possessions worth more than £5million

Daily Mail​

23-05-2025

Napoleon Bonaparte was, according to everyone who matters, utterly compelling.
The 'Little Corporal' conquered Europe, made himself emperor and wore his hat the wrong way around just to stand out.
Now, that iconic bicorn headpiece is leading a stunning auction of the emperor's prized possessions.
Expected to sell for nearly £700,000, the hat is one of around 100 objects being sold in Paris via leading auction house Sotheby's with an overall estimate of more than £5million (€6million).
Also on offer are relics of Napoleon's romance with his beloved first wife, Josephine, whom he divorced after she failed to give birth to his desired heir.
The couple's handwritten marriage contract is tipped to sell for up to £42,000 (€50,000), whilst a folio that is believed to have held their divorce papers could fetch £67,000 (€80,000).
A set of Napoleon's linen clothes, complete with faded monograms, are on offer with the same upper estimate.
And one of Napoleon's portable campaign beds, which he came to love so much that he even used them when in residence in France, is believed to be worth up to £50,000 (€60,000).
Sotheby's expert Marine De Cenival, who is leading the sale, told MailOnline: 'This is the first time that we are offering such an important group of lots about Napoleon.
'He is probably the most famous French person in the world.'
She added: 'It is really the first time you will have items from every important moment from his life.'
The trove was compiled by France 's most famous antiques collector, Pierre-Jean Chalencon, who has described himself as 'Napoleon's press officer'.
He is selling his collection - and his Parisian mansion separately - after getting into debt.
According to The Times, he is said to be trying to pay off a €10 million loan that he took out from Swiss Life Banque Privée to fund his collection.
But Chalençon told Le Parisien: 'I am not riddled with debts. I am doing well.'
Napoleon's hats quickly became an inseparable part of his identity. Depicted in dozens of portraits and engravings, it ensured he stood out.
The one being sold was crafted by Poupard, Napoleon's official hat maker. The emperor used it and then gifted it to General Mouton, one of his most trusted commanders.
Napoleon ordered several hats in the same style each year and would change them frequently.
Napoleon's signature portable campaign bed that was invented especially for him could sell for up to £50,000 (€60,000). He loved the design so much that he used it everywhere, including when at home. He bequeathed these camp beds to his son. He wrote from exile on St Helena that they were a 'modest legacy' which would preserve the memory of 'a father the universe will forever speak of'
The ceremonial sword and stick used during Napoleon's coronation ceremony in 1804. They were crafted for the person in who lead the ceremony, Michel Duverdier, the chief herald of the empire. They feature imperial bees, thunderbolt engravings. Together they are expected to sell for up to £336,000 (€400,000)
Born on the island of Corsica in 1769, Napoleon rose from a minor noble family to lead France after the French Revolution.
He made his name at the Siege of Toulon in 1793, where he was credited with overseeing a victory over English and Spanish forces.
The military leader went on to win a series of crushing victories over the Austrians, which further boosted his profile.
He later went to Egypt, where his forces were roundly beaten by those of British naval hero Horatio Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.
Returning to France, he launched a military coup in 1799 and was crowned Emperor of France five years later, at Notre Dame on December 2, 1804.
He famously wore two crowns for the ceremony.
One was modelled on the one worn by medieval Emperor Charlemagne, while the other was a gold laurel wreath befitting of a Roman emperor.
His wife Josephine, whom he married in 1796, was crowned by her husband.
The couple's volcanic romance - depicted in Ridley Scott's controversial 2023 film - was tempestuous.
Napoleon penned frequent, graphic love letters to his wife, which she responded to tersely, driving him wild with frustration.
Also in the Sotheby's sale is a portrait of Napoleon in his coronation robes, by François Gérard. It is tipped to sell for up to £252,000 (€300,000).
And the ceremonial sword and stick used during the coronation ceremony by chief herald Michel Duverdier, are expected to sell for up to £336,000 (€400,000).
Napoleon's dream of invading Britain and securing naval supremacy were crushed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, at which Nelson was killed.
But that defeat did not stop Napoleon from securing successive victories in Europe, over the Russians, Austrians and Prussians.
Overreach followed with campaigns in Portugal and Spain and then French forces suffered catastrophic losses in the Peninsular War.
Further defeats followed with the failed invasion of Russia and at the Battle of Leipzig.
He did sensationally break out of exile on the island of Elba, but suffered his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
It was after that disaster that he spent his final days under British watch on the island of St Helena.
An exhibition featuring the objects is being held in Hong Kong from today until May 27 and then in New York from June 5 until June 11.