Napoleon's Sword Up for Unusual Bid at Auction
In a notable auction held at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris on May 22, 2025, a saber previously owned by Napolean Bonaparte was sold for an impressive €4,663,900, nearing the world record set in 2007 for a Napoleonic artifact.
Originally commissioned by Napolean in 1803 from Nicolas Noël Boutet, the foremost gunsmith of his time and director of the Manufacture de Versailles, the saber was a masterpiece that perfectly embodied the intersection of art, history, and power. Napolean kept the saber throughout his reign until gifting it to Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy, who thereafter retained it.
The auction, organized by Giquello, attracted collectors looking for a masterpiece steeped in history and boasting an impeccable provenance. Alexandre Giquello, the auctioneer, expressed delight over the sale, characterizing it as one of the most significant moments of the year at Drouot auctions.
Interestingly, Napolean ordered another saber during this period, which is now housed at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Historically significant artifacts connected to Napolean continue to fascinate collectors, as evidenced by the sale of an original copy of his Civil Code, printed in 1807, for nearly €400,000 in a recent auction. Another sale showcasing over a hundred objects linked to Napolean is scheduled for late June at Sotheby's.
This latest auction underscores the enduring historical and artistic value of artifacts associated with Napolean Bonaparte, as well as the ongoing fascination and reverence collectors harbor for artifacts connected to one of history's most iconic figures.
In the digital sphere, the buzz surrounding the Napoleonic artifact sale at Hôtel Drouot has permeated social-media platforms, igniting discussion among history enthusiasts, collectors, and enthusiasts of real estate. This anticipation builds towards the upcoming Sotheby's auction in June, offering over a hundred objects linked to Napolean Bonaparte, further solidifying the Napoleonic era's entertainment value for collectors.
