In a striking showcase of historical memorabilia, an auction is set to feature Napoleon Bonaparte’s widely recognized black bicorne hat, anticipated to fetch over €600,000 (around $650,000). This distinctive piece, worn by the French ruler during his 19th-century reign and numerous European military campaigns, is poised to capture the attention of collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
A painting of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte-Source: X
Unique Historical Items
Among the treasure trove of items from the collection of industrialist Jean Louis Noisy, who dedicated over half a century to assembling Napoleonic memorabilia, artifacts, and weaponry, a notable inclusion is a silver plate, looted from Napoleon’s carriage post his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The auction also showcases a wooden grooming kit owned by Napoleon, complete with silver-handled razors, a toothbrush, and other personal items, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of one of history’s most formidable figures.
The Famed Faded Black Hat
The black hat, slightly faded with time yet still holding monumental value, is the auction’s star piece, estimated to be worth between €600,000 to €800,000 ($650,000 to $870,000). Distinguished from his contemporaries’ hats, which were typically worn front to back, Napoleon’s signature style of wearing the hat sideways made him easily recognizable on the battlefield, enhancing his presence as a military general and statesman.
One of the signature broad, black bicorne hats that Napoleon Bonaparte wore when he ruled 19th-century France and waged war in Europe is expected to fetch upwards of $650,000 at an auction Sunday. https://t.co/GvoqwjbMFQ
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) November 17, 2023
“The Holy Grail” of Memorabilia
Jean Pierre Osenat, head of the Osenat auction house, refers to acquiring one of Napoleon’s hats as “the Holy Grail” for collectors of Napoleonic memorabilia. With about 20 authentic pieces known and approximately 15 housed in museums, only a handful remain in private collections, making this auction particularly significant.
The hat presented for sale was originally recovered by Colonel Pierre Bayon, a quartermaster during Napoleon’s reign and a comrade in many battles, including Waterloo.
Noisy, who passed away in 2022, left behind an impressive collection encompassing firearms, swords, and Napoleonic coins, testament to his life-long passion for historical preservation.
