


A pair of steel Boot Hooks attributed to Napoleon I 13x5x2.5in(33x13x6cm)
£1,500 - £2,500
A pair of steel Boot Hooks attributed to Napoleon I
Footnotes
In July 1815 the defeated General Bonaparte shipped aboard HMS Bellerophon for passage from France to England and exile. A 17 year old midshipman on board at the time was Irishman Wiliam McIlwaine, recently transferred from HMS Euphrates. Napoleon took with him a large entourage, which included Monsieur Louis Marchand, Valet de Chambre to the Emperor. Marchand travelled onwards to St Helena with his Master, remaining in exile until the General's death. He was mentioned in Napoleon's will and was one of his executors. His dairies we published in the 1950's. He was elevated to Count by Napoleon lll (1852-1870).
William McIlwaine rose to become Commander Inspecting the Coast Guard before finally reaching Captain in 1859, just before he retired on half-pay. He appears to have died in 1868. The wording of the inscription suggests that this was made just after that event.
Purchased from a descendant of the McIlwaine family in Tasmania in 1971.
Saleroom notices
This lot is withdrawn.