Do you want to estimate the value of your object that belonged to Napoleon? Read these few lines to guide you. You can also get a free estimate from our experts in Historical Memorabilia.
An object that belonged to Napoleon and whose provenance you can prove can be a real treasure. Handkerchiefs, porcelain, beds, hats, clothes, weapons... objects that once belonged to the Emperor are a collector's delight and sell for gold. Our experts and specialists in Historical Memorabilia, as well as our auctioneers, offer you a free appraisal of your property, putting their knowledge of the art market at your service.
Recognizing objects that belonged to Napoleon
Two centuries have passed since Napoleon's death, but the Emperor still exerts just as much fascination, particularly among collectors and enthusiasts of Historical Memorabilia. This statesman who modernized France with the Legion of Honor, the Civil Code, reforms, institutions and the baccalauréat had an immense influence on France.
To identify your object: no secret... history! When you own an object that belonged to Napoleon, the family legend has often been passed down from generation to generation. But you need to back it up with a little historical research.
You can also discover something Napoleon wrote, as his writings were prolific. It is estimated that there are around 40,000 documents (letters, decrees, etc.) written in his hand. To identify it, you need to recognize his handwriting and conduct a graphological investigation.
Estimate the value of an object that belonged to Napoleon
Artifacts that once belonged to Napoleon are considered true relics, and their value has been maintained for decades. But counterfeits are very common. It's a good idea to keep an eye on the details.
Historical provenance
This is the most important element in valuing your object. You need to retrace the object's journey to the point where it came into your hands.
The disappearance of great collectors often leads to the dispersal of objects, either through sales or donations to museums. Many works regularly reappear on the market in this way. Some old families, descendants of Empire barons, heirs of Empire families, counts, etc. still possess treasures that remain in their family circle.
The Grimaldi family collection, for example, sold its collection in 2014. Among the lots are the Emperor's clothes, including a shirt he wore during his exile on St. Helena, and other items that belonged to his entourage, such as his son's christening slippers, the purse of Josephine, his first wife, the health report of Empress Marie-Louise, his second wife, etc.
The presence of signs and symbols
The choice of imperial emblems, notably the eagle and the bee, has an important symbolic meaning. They can be found on many objects that belonged to Napoleon, and undeniably increase their market value. The Empire deliberately opted for animal representations, to break with the royal symbol of the lily.
Political symbols were also ubiquitous in everyday imperial life. The laurel leaf, the palm, the shield, the helmet and the military trophy are recurrent emblems of victory strategically placed on furniture and objects.
Images linked to the power of seduction manifest themselves in many forms: representations of the nude woman, the ephebe, the swan, the butterfly, the psyche, the flower and so on.
These elements, sometimes found on objects that belonged to the Emperor or members of his family, can push up the estimate.
Obtain an estimate for an object belonging to Napoleon
If you're wondering about the value of your Napoleonic object, our experts and auctioneers are on hand to offer you a free estimate.
Since its foundation in 1928, Millon has specialized in the sale of historical Souvenirs, such as objects that belonged to the Emperor Napoleon, among others. You have the opportunity to discover the current value of your property by requesting a free, no-obligation estimate.
If you're considering selling your object, our team is also ready to support you through every stage of the sales process.
Sales of objects belonging to Napoleon
At an auction in the USA in 2021, an exceptional lot comprising a sword carried by the future Emperor of the French, during his coup d'état in 1799 and crowned in 1804, as well as five richly ornamented firearms also belonging to him, is sold for 2.5 million euros.
The centerpiece of this collection is the sword itself, still accompanied by its scabbard and designed in the Versailles workshops of arms manufacturer Nicolas-Noël Boutet.
Napoleon Bonaparte donated this sword to general Jean-Andoche Junot (1771-1813). After the latter's death, the weapon found its way to a London museum before being acquired by an American collector.
The record for the sale of a Napoleonic bicorne is held by an example acquired by a Korean businessman in France in 2014. This felt hat, an emblematic symbol worn by the Emperor during his famous military victories, sold for an impressive 1.9 million euros.
Another landmark moment occurred at an auction in Paris in 2021, when another bicorne sold for 1.2 million euros, setting the second record price for an object that belonged to Napoleon.
Initially estimated at between $500,000 and $700,000, this black beaver felt hat is adorned with a tricolor cockade and topped by a double black silk ganse, held in place by a button.
Napoleon's belongings auctioned at MILLON
While these objects are the most incredible, many items relating to the Emperor and/or having belonged to him are regularly sold at auction. MILLON puts its sales experience at your service and presents a few recently auctioned items.
The Emperor Napoleon's Legion of Honor, estimated at €80,000 to €120,000 on November 24, 2023 at Millon, fetched €208,000 including costs. It had the distinction of having followed Napoleon to St. Helena, then inherited by his sister Caroline Murat, on the death of Madame Mère in 1836.
A hard porcelain litron-shaped cup and saucer, decorated in gold with the numeral N under an imperial crown, printed in the center, within a laurel wreath, the rims adorned with a gold fillet sold for €4,600. This set in good condition was produced by the Manufacture impériale de Sèvres in 1808;
A rare silver dish from the campaign service of Emperor Napoleon I with his great arms. The 950 thousandths silver round dish, with chased border of a frieze of palmettes with a marli engraved with the great imperial arms of Napoleon I is sold for 20,000 euros after an estimate of 15,000 to 20,000;
A rare crystal goblet from the service of Emperor Napoleon I in its case, estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 euros, sold for 17,000 euros ;
A rare large silver timbale from the campaign service of Emperor Napoleon I, estimated between 15,000 and 20,000 euros sold for 22,000 euros ;
"Le plumier de Napoléon", cylindrical in mahogany and walnut burr veneer inlaid with faceted steel beads, decorated in chased steel in medallions at the ends, estimated between €20,000 and €30,000, sold for €38,000.
Do you own a precious historical souvenir, an object that belonged to Napoleon I? Have it appraised free of charge by our specialized and experienced auctioneers. To find out the market value of your work, you can quickly and easily complete our online form.
If it's more convenient for you to show us your object directly, join one of our offices in France or neighboring countries, or attend the free valuation days organized by Maison MILLON.
