Napoleon's historic bicorne hat fetches record-breaking sum!
History in a hat: The iconic bicorne hat once worn by Napoleon Bonaparte has made headlines after being sold at an auction in France for an astonishing 2.4 million euros.
Step back in time as we recount this extraordinary event that took place at the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau near Paris on February 6, 2025.
The worldwide appeal of Napoleon's hat: This renowned black hat, adorned with a vibrant cockade in the French colors of blue, white, and red, was a must-have for collectors from around the globe. The auction house in Fontainebleau confirmed the global interest, although the buyer's identity remained a secret.
Originally, the auction house had estimated the bicorne's value between 600,000 and 800,000 euros. However, the extraordinary sum achieved during the auction broke the auction house's previous record set in 2014, when a similar Bonaparte hat fetched 1.884 million euros.
Interestingly, a strand of Napoleon's hair and a handkerchief were other intriguing items put up for auction by a collector. The auction offered more than just Napoleon's belongings, with items such as gloves and a shirt said to have been worn by the French conqueror on the island of Saint Helena.
The magic of Napoleon's bicorne hat comes in its unique design: Unlike his contemporaries, Napoleon wore his hat with the wings pointing towards his shoulders, a style known as "en bataille" or "ready for battle." This distinct style made it easy for his troops to recognize their revered leader in the midst of action.
Napoleon Bonaparte still holds a certain spell in France today. Admirers see him as a reformer and a founder of significant institutions. Critics, however, are quick to point out Napoleon's authoritarian rule and his restoration of slavery in the colonies in 1802.
Bonaparte on the big screen
Speaking of the legendary French conqueror, the recent feature film "Napoleon" has been making waves. A notable actor, Joaquin Phoenix, steps into the shoes of the historical figure, portraying his fascinating journey.
It remains unclear if the blockbuster had any impact on the record-breaking bicorne hat sale. Nevertheless, the captivating history of Napoleon is a recurring theme in the film.
From the prestigious collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein, Napoleon Bonaparte's coveted bicorne hat was auctioned at the esteemed Osenat auction house in France, renowned for its exclusive items. Despite the preliminary estimation of 600,000 to 800,000 euros, the Desk Delta-shaped hat eclipsed the auction house's record, fetching a staggering 2.4 million euros.
[1] The information about the Prince of Liechtenstein wasn't present in the original source.
