Napoleon Bonaparte's Suicide Pistols Sold at Auction in France
Two pistols that Napoleon Bonaparte once intended to use to kill himself were sold in France for 1.8 million US dollars at an auction in Fontainebleau, south of Paris. The government has banned their export to keep them in the country as national treasures. The richly decorated guns, inlaid with gold and silver and featuring the engraved image of Napoleon in full imperial attire, were nearly used by the French ruler to end his life in 1814 after his defeat and exile. Instead of using the pistols, Napoleon ultimately survived a suicide attempt by taking poison. The pistols were later given to his squire as a token of gratitude. Napoleon's memorabilia is highly coveted among collectors, with one of his famous hats selling for 1.9 million dollars in a previous auction. The French culture ministry classified the pistols as national treasures, preventing their export and allowing the government a 30-month window to potentially purchase them back from the current owner. This classification significantly increases the value and cultural significance of the objects. The historical significance of these pistols adds to the fascination with Napoleon's legacy and the tumultuous events of his life and reign.
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