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“An Accurate Estimate of the First Consul’s Dress”
An intriguing English-language manuscript itemizing the extraordinary value attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte’s ceremonial clothing and jeweled accessories. Undated, probably early nineteenth century, one sheet with an ink title and account on the front, docketing on the reverse, and a later pencil attribution to Moses Young, secretary to American diplomat Henry Laurens.
The account begins with an embroidered velvet uniform, gold-embroidered half boots, and a beaver military hat before turning to far more extravagant adornments: a diamond hat button, a Damascus-bladed sabre, a solid-gold sword hilt, diamond epaulettes, and the famous Regent diamond, described as positioned in the mouth of a crocodile.
The writer records a total value of £397,741 10 shillings. A concluding “Analyses of the above” contrasts the cost of clothing and useful articles with the vastly greater sum assigned to ornamentation—a striking presentation of the luxury associated with Napoleon’s rise.
A closely matching account appeared in the Augusta Herald on May 1, 1821, demonstrating that this description circulated in the contemporary press. The manuscript’s precise date and source remain undetermined; it is offered as a historical account of Napoleon’s reputed finery, not an official inventory or verified valuation of his possessions.
Attribution: A later pencil inscription reads, “Handwriting of Moses Young / Secretary to Henry Laurens / when Minister to Holland.” Young served as Laurens’s secretary and accompanied him on the ill-fated diplomatic voyage to Holland in 1780. The attribution is an appealing research lead but has not been independently authenticated. The manuscript is unsigned.
Condition: Age toning, scattered spotting, intersecting folds, and edge and corner wear. A horizontal fold shows splitting, with a small paper or tissue reinforcement visible at one edge on the reverse. Some ink fading and show-through, but the principal text remains generally legible. Later pencil annotations appear on both sides.
An unusual Napoleonic manuscript combining military fashion, celebrated jewels, and a possible connection to early American diplomatic history.
