Description:

A PIECE OF NAPOLEON'S SARCOPHAGUS
A purported section of the giant red Russian Shoksha quartzite sarcophagus housing the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte. The burgundy section of stone measures 1.75 x 1.5 x .25 in. and appears to be of exactly the same color and composition as the sarcophagus. The stone section is accompanied by the remains of the small packet in which it was once enclosed. This packet bears undeniably period handwriting reading: 'piece or porphory [sic, porphyry] from the Tomb of Napoleon 1st June 29th 1883 Paris'. The envelope is worn and torn, else very good. Napoleon's stone sarcophagus was quarried in 1848 by Italian engineer Giovanni Bujatti upon Tsar Nicholas I's special permission. On 2 April 1861, Napoleon's remains were finally transferred into the completed sarcophagus from the nearby chapel of Saint-Jerome. This is 22 years before the date on our note of provenance. We can only speculated that enterprising parties involved in the sculpting of the sarcophagus sold off pieces of stone cut during the construction of the tomb...or hucksters were at work peddling these souvenirs! Thus, sold only as a curiosity.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000