Post by LongBlade on Jun 10, 2007 18:50:44 GMT -5
Napoleon sword sells for $6.4 million
6/10/2007
By: Associated Press
www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=185784
FONTAINEBLEAU, France -- More than 200 years after Napoleon carried a gold-encrusted sword into battle, it inspired a bidding war.
The sword, which had stayed in Napoleon's family since it was crafted, was valued at about $1.5 million. Instead it brought in about four times that at an auction in France. Applause rang out in the packed auction house when it was sold for nearly $6.5 million.
Although the auction house hasn't identified the buyer, it says the weapon will be remaining in the family. The 32-inch long blade curves gently - an inspiration the future French emperor picked up in Egypt.
"Napoleon ordered the curve when he noticed that Arab swords were very effective in cutting off French heads," the auctioneer says.
6/10/2007
By: Associated Press
www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=185784
FONTAINEBLEAU, France -- More than 200 years after Napoleon carried a gold-encrusted sword into battle, it inspired a bidding war.
The sword, which had stayed in Napoleon's family since it was crafted, was valued at about $1.5 million. Instead it brought in about four times that at an auction in France. Applause rang out in the packed auction house when it was sold for nearly $6.5 million.
Although the auction house hasn't identified the buyer, it says the weapon will be remaining in the family. The 32-inch long blade curves gently - an inspiration the future French emperor picked up in Egypt.
"Napoleon ordered the curve when he noticed that Arab swords were very effective in cutting off French heads," the auctioneer says.