Napoleon’s Waterloo Brooch Sells for $4.4 Million at Geneva Auction
A diamond brooch lost by French Emperor Napoleon during his retreat from the Battle of Waterloo sold for more than 3.5 million Swiss francs – approximately $4.4 million – at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva today.
The jewel, which can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant, features an oval diamond exceeding 13 carats, encircled by smaller cut diamonds. According to Sotheby’s, the piece was part of Napoleon’s personal belongings taken to Waterloo, including medals, weapons, and jewelry, and was abandoned when carriages became stuck in muddy conditions during his hasty departure. The brooch was subsequently offered to Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III as a battle trophy in 1815 and remained within the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern for generations.
Yesterday’s sale price significantly surpassed pre-sale estimates, which peaked at 200,000 francs; the hammer price alone reached 2.85 million francs. The buyer has been identified as a private collector, and the seller’s identity remains undisclosed. Another Napoleonic-era jewel, a green beryl Napoleon reportedly wore during his 1804 coronation, also fetched a high price, selling for 838,000 francs – more than 17 times its estimated value. This auction follows a recent high-profile robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where Napoleonic jewels were stolen last month.
“Given the recent Louvre heist and the provenance of arguably the most famous French figure in history, I’m not surprised the jewel achieved a majestic 3.5 million francs,” said Tobias Kormind, managing director of online jeweler 77 Diamonds. “The brooch arrives at a moment of renewed global fascination with Napoleonic jewels, and its story is irresistible.” The sale highlights the enduring appeal of historical artifacts and their potential value in the art market.
Sotheby’s officials stated they expect continued strong interest in Napoleonic memorabilia as the bicentennial of his death approaches.
