Napoleon’s Sword Auctioned Off.

A gold-encrusted sword that Napoleon wore into battle 200 years ago was sold for $6.4 million:

The intricately decorated blade is 32 inches in length and curves gently — an inspiration Napoleon drew from his Egyptian campaign, auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat said.

The sword was carried by Napoleon — who was not yet emperor — into the battle of Marengo in June 1800, when he launched a surprise attack to push the Austrian army from Italy and seal France’s victory, auction house officials said.

After the battle, Napoleon gave the sword to his brother as a wedding present, and it was passed down through the generations, never leaving the family, according to the auction house.

Link – Thanks Freshome!