Napoleon's sword auctioned

A gold-encrusted sword used by Napoleon has been sold at auction in France for 4.8m euros ($6.4m). . .

The sword, which belonged to eight of the emperor's descendants, was believed to be the last of Napoleon's blades in private hands. . .

"It's a world record for a souvenir of the emperor, for a sword and for a weapon in general," auction house spokesman Bernard Croissy said. . .

The sword was declared a national treasure in 1978 and, while it may be sold to a foreign buyer, they must have a French address and keep it in France for six months a year.

From the BBC. It seems from this report that the buyer was from the family:

Osenat did not identify the buyer, but said the sword will remain in Napoleon's family, which had put it up for sale in the first place.

Posted by David on June 10, 2007 3:02 PM