Napoléon’s shoe buckles worn on St. Hele: Napoleon

Napoléon’s shoe buckles worn on St. Helena

- c. 1815

In his will, Napoléon mentions golden shoebuckles (he frequently referred to vermeil as gold, although it is actually gilded silver). All of his personal belongings were supposed to be handed over to his son, known then as the Duke of Reichstadt. His will was not respected, however, and his executors, Bertrand, Montholon and Noveraz, kept everything.

Historical Provenance - Duc de Padoue collection

Vermeil silver