A bicorne hat belonging to Napoleon was among the top lots at Christie's Exceptional sale in London on July 9, achieving ?�386,500 ($595,210).
The hat was formerly part of the collection of Scottish aristocrat Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, who acquired it from Napoleon's housekeeper in 1814.
 Scottish aristocrat Sir Michael Shaw Stewart bought the hat in 1814 |
Shaw wrote in his diary, describing it as "the hat of Buonaparte which he wore at the Battles of Jena, Friedland and Eylau and at the Treaty of Tilsit.
"He wore this hat for ten months. On leaving Dresden, Napoleon's valet de chambre gave it to Jean Baptiste K??hnel, concierge du Chateau, from whom I this day bought it at his own price, viz. 10 thalers or about two English guineas.
"I will not say how much I would have given for it but having got it I know that no price would tempt me to part with it. I consider it as a most curious and interesting thing to be possessed of and I shall spare no care or expense to get it back home."
The piece is one of only 19 known Napoleon-worn hats in existence. Another specimen sold for $2.2m in a French auction in 2014.
This year marks the 200th anniversary since the Battle of Waterloo, which has led to fresh interest in memorabilia from the Napoleonic era.
A wine bottle from Napoleon's carriage, which was captured at Waterloo, sold for ?�25,000 ($38,500).
We have a genuine strand of Napoleon's hair for sale.
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