A magnificent pocket watch that Napoleon gave to one of the leading doctors in the French army holds a $40,000 minimum bid in Nate D Sanders' latest sale.
 The watch is lightly scratched and has a chip to the 8 |
Baron Rene-Nicolas Dufriche Desgenettes became one of Napoleon's most esteemed men following his service as chief doctor to the French army in Egypt and at Waterloo. He was awarded the title of Baron of the French Empire in 1810.
He was a man who commanded great respect, even being freed by Tsar Alexander I of Russia following his capture, after the tsar heard of him caring for both Russian and French soldiers. Alexandre Dumas described Desgenettes as "old, bawdy, very witty and very cynical".
However, he despaired at his military service, as he was called to action by Napoleon in 1807, while his only son was dying. At Napoleon's behest, he left his home within 24 hours, and was denied requests thereafter to return to his private life and his family.
It is thought Napoleon showered him with titles and gifts in order to keep him in service as a valued doctor in the army.
The watch is engraved with an eagle holding a branch in its beak, surrounded by detailed arabesque decoration. The silver half hunter cover is engraved with "Jn Javel a Geneve". It is documented as previously from the estate of the Monaco royal family.
The auction ends on January 29, with the watch expected as one of the top lots.
