One of the weapons used by former French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, including an attempt to take his own life, was sold at auction for 1.69 million euros.
The weapons, designed by French gunsmith Louis-Marin Gosset and belonging to former French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, were put up for auction. The weapons were sold for 1.69 million euros at an auction held yesterday at the Osenat Auction House near the Fontainebleau Palace, where Napoleon attempted suicide in 1814. The gold and silver-inlaid weapons feature Napoleon's profile engraving. The weapons were sold with various accessories, including their original box and powder holder. A hat belonging to Napoleon also fetched 1.9 million euros at an auction held in November.
France's Ministry of Culture recently declared the weapons a "national treasure," banning their export abroad. This decision means that the French government has 30 months to make a new offer to the unidentified buyer.
The weapons were reportedly used by Napoleon on April 12, 1814, in an attempt to take his own life following the defeat of his armies. His aide, Armand de Caulaincourt, saved Napoleon's life by emptying the powder from the gun. Napoleon survived the attempt, thanks to the emptied gunpowder. Napoleon later gave the weapons to Caulaincourt.