Diamond Brooch of Napoleon Sells for $4.4 Million at Sotheby's in Geneva
The diamond brooch, which served as an ornament for a hat, was left behind by Napoleon in his carriage as he retreated from the field of Waterloo in 1815. During the battle the Prussian army seized and confiscated at least two carriages carrying the Emperor's personal effects, including his medals, weapons, table silver, hat and a casket of jewels.
Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher noted in a record that he had sent the captured hat and sword to the Prussian king Frederick William III, since they possessed symbolic value.
The brooch remained the property of the House of Hohenzollern for about two centuries and in recent years was held in a private collection.

