June 10
A gold-encrusted sword Napoleon wore into battle in Italy 200 years ago was sold Sunday for more than $6.4 million.

The last of Napoleon's swords in private hands, it has an estimated value of far less about $1.6 million.

Applause rang out in a packed auction hall across the street from one of Napoleon's imperial castles in Fontainebleau, a town southeast of Paris, when the sword was sold.

The sword will remain in Napoleon's family, which had put it up for sale.

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.

The sword was declared a national treasure in 1978, meaning that under French law it could be sold to a foreign buyer but had to remain in France for at least five months per year.

go

Darn, I guess my 30$USD, pack of gum, and Swiss Army knife weren't enough to buy it. Guess I'll just have to steal it.

Just kidding... or am I?

Auctioneer: You must bring this sword back to France for 5 months out of each year.
Highest Bidder: Well considering I just spent $6.4 million on a FRIGGEN SWORD, I think it would be reasonable to drop another $9 million or so on a French castle to keep it in and take vacations to... sure why not, I mean the sword's only more than two thirds of a 40 room castle's value, that's all... chicks do dig swords and castles.
Auctioneer: [spoiler]Chicks dig spending your money.[/spoiler]
Highest Bidder: Huh?
Auctioneer: SOLD!


Now that I take a second glance at it, that is a pretty dope sword...