NAPOLEON'S HAT COULD REACH R10 MILLION ON AUCTION

Historical memorabilia collectors around the world will have their eyes on Sotheby's in Paris when Napoleon Bonaparte's hat goes on auction.

The auction will take place in September to coincide with the 200-year commemoration of Napoleon's death. While there will be a long list of items that will go on auction at the event, the star lot is his iconic bicorne.

The Guardian reports that it is thought that this specific hat travelled with Napoleon throughout his triumphant campaign of 1807. It is believed to have been worn by him as he signed the peace treaties of Tilsit that carved up continental Europe into different zones of French and Russian influence.

Experts believe the hat will fetch R10 million (around €600 000) when it goes up for auction.

In 2018, a similar hat believed to have been worn by Napoleon during The Battle of Waterloo, was auctioned off and reached a sold price of €350 000.

While many modern French nationals believe Napoleon shouldn't be celebrated as he was in favour of slavery, French president Emmanuel Macron hailed him as a hero during celebrations in May.

Image credit: The Guardian