The briefcase for the papers of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France

A uniquely rare lot that belonged personally to one of the most famous people in world history, Emperor Napoleon I. The briefcase is made of dark green leather with gold lettering, decorated with the monogram of Emperor Napoleon I – "N" under the crown. The briefcase is made of top—quality leather — marocene (named after the place of original manufacture - Morocco; the skins of black antelopes served as the material for it). Marocaine became widespread in France in the 18th century as a material for high-quality leather goods intended for the royal Court and the aristocracy. The leather surface of the briefcase is covered with an embossed gold pattern in the form of ornamental frames.

The lock is made of steel, with a key on a string. On the outer cover is the letter "N" under the imperial crown. The briefcase has a sticker made of blue leather with embossed gold — "De la fabrique de FENOUX rue de Grenelle St. Honore No. 51" ("Made by Fenoux on Grenelle Street51 Saint-Honore"). At the bottom of the briefcase is a hinged lid for writing supplies (missing): space for two inkwells, quills, etc. Inside the briefcase there is a special pocket for letters, covered with green paper. The briefcase itself looks like a small rectangular music stand, which contains everything you need to work in field conditions.

Napoleon spent all 20 years of his reign in continuous wars and traveling. His Court and Office were organized in a marching manner. Complete centralization reigned in them — all orders were signed personally by the Emperor. The General Staff, created at the Imperial Headquarters under the leadership of Marshal Berthier, used its own Imperial field Archive and topographic office with a rich selection of plans, maps and statistical data to prepare the documents. Every day, a briefcase with documents was submitted to the Emperor for examination, approval and signature. The result of the hard work was Napoleon's orders, which were delivered by adjutants and couriers throughout the Empire.

Where would No matter where Napoleon stayed, whether it was a castle, a small country house or a shack, his first concern was to organize a room for desk work. As soon as Napoleon took possession of his temporary home, immediately a briefcase with documents, geographical maps, two or three mahogany drawers with compartments for books in the travel library — all this was laid out on a table, and if there was no table, then on thick boards or on a door placed on trestles. If he had one room at his disposal, then his small iron bed and travel bag were also placed in it. In such a room, adapted as an office, he usually dictated countless orders, which were immediately sent to their destination. Marshal Berthier, who was always stationed nearby, usually informed him of the contents of dispatches if he received them before Napoleon, and immediately sent answers to them.

When military operations obliged Napoleon to stay for some time in one of his winter headquarters or in one of the capitals of a defeated country, he spent most of his time in his office. The emperor paid attention to meeting the needs of the army, while not forgetting about the work of the government. He usually called from The Minister of Paris, who held the position of Secretary of State, and brought with him materials sent by the Cabinet of Ministers. Having received the relevant instructions, orders and instructions, the Secretary of State returned back to Paris.

With such an organization of the Emperor's work, a briefcase with the most necessary papers was his constant companion, who was carried behind him by a devoted adjutant. This item is made by the best Parisian leather craftsmen, which suggests that the briefcase belongs to the Personal Imperial Chancellery. The briefcase decor is made in Empire style. The classicism of the time of Napoleon I was supposed to symbolize the greatness and power of the state created by General Bonaparte. The Roman Empire became not just an ideal of beauty, but also a program for action. In this piece, Empire style ornamentation is distinguished by restrained elegance.

Such portfolios, made of expensive materials, were used by representatives of the highest European nobility. For example, at one of the German auctions, the portfolio of Emperor Alexander I, which was with him at a meeting with Emperor Napoleon in Tilsit in 1807, was sold for 50,000 euros, in many ways similar to the one presented.

"During his lifetime, Napoleon could not conquer the world, after his death he achieved it," wrote Chateaubriand. Nowadays, the objects that reflect the glory of Napoleon are of special historical interest. One of the greatest generals, legislators, and rulers of all time, he left an indelible mark on the history of the world. The Europe in which we live was formed precisely during the time of Napoleon, and lives according to his legislation. Napoleon reached the point where the human mind is no longer able to control millions of people. He could keep everything in his brilliant brain — from strategic plans to the issue of soldiers' rations of food — and is deservedly considered the last great commander. Even Hitler, in order to earn the favor of the French after the occupation of 1940, could not think of anything better than to return the ashes of Napoleon's son Eaglet to his homeland.

According to the combination of stylistic and technological features, signatures, and traces of aging materials, this is an authentic portfolio for documents and orders of Emperor Napoleon I, made in France, in Paris, in 1805-14. It is in good collector's condition. As a unique historical monument, it has antique, cultural, artistic and unconditional museum significance. An expert opinion of G.S. Piggot will be issued on the subject.

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