A hat that once graced the head of Napoleon Bonaparte during his illustrious reign over the French empire in the 19th Century has been successfully auctioned in the vibrant city of Paris, fetching a substantial sum of €1.9 million ($2.1 million; £1.7 million).
This distinguished bicorne, crafted from black beaver felt, garnered initial estimates ranging between €600,000 and €800,000 (£525,850-£701,131), underscoring its profound historical value.

The identity of the astute buyer remains shrouded in mystery, as they have chosen not to reveal themselves to the public.
Historical experts posit that this hat held a pivotal role in Napoleon’s personal brand. Wearing it in a distinctive sideways manner became a hallmark, rendering him easily recognizable on the battlefield. Remarkably, the ambitious French leader accumulated a staggering collection of approximately 120 bicorne hats throughout the course of his life.
Regrettably, only a mere 20 of these iconic headpieces are believed to have endured the test of time, with the majority residing discreetly within the confines of private collections.
Notably, this particular hat found itself among a curated ensemble of Napoleonic memorabilia, meticulously amassed by an industrious individual who departed from the mortal realm last year.
For connoisseurs and specialists in historical artifacts, the bicorne hat, now part of this distinguished collection, is heralded as nothing short of the ultimate holy grail, symbolizing an unparalleled connection to the enigmatic legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, exhibited a distinctive style in the donning of his hat, opting for a configuration where the corns, or corners, were aligned in parallel with his shoulders, a technique recognized as “en bataille.” In contrast, the majority of his officers adhered to a different fashion, wearing their hats in a perpendicular orientation to the shoulders. This nuanced approach to hat positioning not only highlighted Napoleon’s penchant for individuality but also contributed to his visual distinctiveness on the military stage, setting him apart from his officer corps.