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In a fascinating turn of events, two pistols once belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, which he intended to use to kill himself, were sold in France on Sunday for a staggering 1.69 million euros. The auction, held in Fontainebleau, south of Paris, saw the pistols, now deemed national treasures, fetch a price above the anticipated 1.2-1.5 million euros.

The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, but the sale has sparked significant interest due to the historical and cultural value of the pistols. Ahead of the auction, the French culture ministry's national treasures commission classified the pistols as national treasures, imposing an export ban to ensure they remain in France. This decision was officially published in the government’s journal on Saturday.

The export ban certificate issued by the commission initiates a 30-month period during which the French government can negotiate a purchase offer to the new owner, who retains the right to refuse. A representative from the Osenat auction house, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized the enhanced value of the objects due to their national treasure status.

The intricately decorated pistols, inlaid with gold and silver, feature an engraved image of Napoleon in imperial regalia. According to Jean-Pierre Osenat, an expert from the auction house, Napoleon nearly used these weapons to commit suicide in 1814. This was a time of despair for the French ruler, as foreign forces had defeated his army and occupied Paris, forcing him to abdicate. However, his grand squire had removed the powder from the pistols, preventing the act. Napoleon then attempted to poison himself but survived, subsequently gifting the pistols to his squire as a token of gratitude for his loyalty.

Napoleonic memorabilia continues to be highly coveted among collectors. Just last November, one of his iconic "bicorne" hats, adorned with blue, white, and red trimmings, sold for 1.9 million euros. The enduring fascination with Napoleon's legacy is evident in these sales, underscoring the emperor's lasting impact on history and culture.

Following his abdication, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba off the Italian coast. He famously escaped and made a dramatic return to France, only to be ultimately defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon spent his final years in exile on the island of St. Helena, where he died six years later.

The recent auction of these historically significant pistols not only highlights the ongoing interest in Napoleon's life and legacy but also underscores the importance of preserving national treasures within France. The French government now faces the task of negotiating with the new owner to potentially secure these artifacts for the nation's cultural heritage.