A striking signet ring once owned by Napoleon is expected to fascinate collectors at an upcoming auction in Paris.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was a military leader who rose to power during the French Revolution and expanded an empire across Europe as emperor.
A signet ring crafted in the early 19th century by Marc-Etienne Nitot (Chaumet) will make headlines at an upcoming Sotheby’s auction in Paris on 25 June. The ring is engraved with the imperial ‘N’ and topped with a crown.
“This signet ring, stamped with a capital N surmounted by a crown, was presented to Monsieur Hans de Bruyère, commander of the Nijmegen mounted honour guard, during Napoleon’s visit to the former kingdom of Holland in the autumn of 1811,” a report from Vanity Fair reveals.
“Made of gold and diamonds, it was crafted in the workshops of Marc-Etienne Nitot, which later became Chaumet.”
Because of its provenance and craftsmanship, Sotheby’s estimated the ring’s value to be between $USD226,000 and $USD340,000.
The sale also features other intimate and monumental pieces of French history, including Napoleon and Josephine’s marriage certificate, an Empress dressing table, and a throne.
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Credit: jewellermagazine.com
