Reuters
A hat dating back to the period when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled the French Empire in the 19th century will go up for auction in Paris today.
The value of the black beaver hat is estimated at between 600,000 and 800,000 euros.
Historians say that this hat was part of Napoleon’s identity. Wearing his hat sideways made him recognizable in battle.
It is believed that only 20 hats remain of Napoleon, who owned approximately 120 hats over the years, most of which are in private collections.
The hat is being sold along with other Napoleon memorabilia from the collection of a businessman who died last year.
While Napoleon wore his hat perpendicular to the shoulders, most of his officers wore their hats perpendicular to the shoulders.
According to auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat, “People recognized this hat everywhere. When they saw it on the battlefields, they knew Napoleon was there. In his private life, he carried the hat either on his head or in his hand, and sometimes he would throw it.” “On the ground. It was the emperor’s symbol.”
The hat remained in the possession of Napoleon’s palace quartermaster’s family throughout the 19th century and was well preserved, the auctioneers said.
The hat, sold by Osinat Auctions in Fontainebleau, contains a badge that Napoleon wore on his hat when he went from his exile on the island of Elbe to Antibes in 1815.
Other items sold include a silver plate stolen from Napoleon’s carriage after the defeat at Waterloo in 1815, and a wooden case containing a razor, silver toothbrush, scissors and other personal belongings.