Napoleon’s hair sold at auction
Tue 6 July 2010
An interesting collection of historical items has been sold at an auction in New Zealand, including a lock of Napoleon’s hair*.
The tresses were part of a collection consisting of 40 items of Napoleon memorabilia, which combined, sold for almost (US) $100,000.
All of the items belonged to the descendants of a British officer, Denzil Ibbetson, who was stationed on St Helena, the Atlantic island where Napoleon died in exile in 1821.
The head of the Art+Object auction house, Hamish Coney, said: "Napoleon is one of the greatest figures of European history. This collection enables collectors and historians to gain a new perspective on his final years."
The lock of Napoleon’s hair was cut from his head after he died in exile. It was purchased by an unnamed London collector for $13,000. The highest price reached for a single item was $14,600 for a lithograph and watercolour image of Napoleon on his deathbed, painted by Mr Ibbetson.
Insurers recommend that homeowners maintain their
high value insurance policies for their antiques and collectables. These policies should be reviewed frequently if the value of home contents is likely to change after purchasing goods at auction.
*Source: BBC, at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10458197.stm