Napoleon Bonaparte’s iconic hat made history at an auction on Sunday, fetching a remarkable $2.1 million. Initially estimated to sell for up to $875,328 by French auction house Osenat, the hat surpassed expectations and broke the previous record held by another Napoleon hat that sold for approximately $2 million in 2014 at the same auction house, according to AFP.
Napoleon, a crucial figure in the French Revolution, played a pivotal role in overthrowing the French government and ultimately became the emperor of France. The felt hat, adorned with the emblem featuring the colors of the French flag – red, white, and blue – dates back to the 1800s, according to Osenat.
Originally owned by Napoleon, the hat later came into the possession of Colonel Pierre Baillon, a military officer, who retained it in his family until the 19th century when his grandson sold it. The hat then passed through several hands, with antiques dealer Charles Meyer selling it to Jean Brunon in 1928, and it has remained within his family since.