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Market Update:
Napoleon Collectibles
Artefacts
Personal Memorabilia
Signed Documents
10 January 2012
Background:
Recommendation:
Few men from history continue to capture the imagination, or split
opinion, like Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 – 1821).
BUY
Across Europe in the early 1800s the newly proclaimed Emperor of
France conquered all he encountered.
Some see him as a merciless dictator. Others view him as the man
who unified Europe, and a superb military tactician.
British commander the Duke of Wellington had the utmost respect
for Napoleon. When asked who was the greatest general of the age,
he replied: “In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon!” adding
that Napoleon’s “presence on the field made the difference of forty
thousand men.”
Key changes:
•
14.70% pa
Napoleon signed letters 2000 - 2011
•
£58,850
Record price achieved for Napoleon’s
gold snuff box
Performance of Napoleon
Signed Letters Vs. PFC40
Autograph Index between
2000-11:
As we approach the 200th anniversary of his death, growing numbers of collectors are realising the importance of Napoleon and the
value of his artefacts.
What’s new?
In June 2010, a lock of Napoleon’s hair sold for $13,200 at a New
Zealand auction.
Former Italian prime minister, and Napoleon admirer, Silvio Berlusconi bought Napoleon’s four-poster bed for an undisclosed sum
in 2010, stating that it was “priceless”.
Source: PFC40 Autograph Index
A wine glass thought to have belonged to Napoleon made £10,800
($16,730) at a London sale in June 2011. The result was 440% above
the pre-sale estimate of £2,000.
A solid gold snuff box made for Napoleon sold for £58,850 ($91,705)
in November 2011, 190% above the £20,000 auction estimate.
A series of Napoleon-signed letters each sold for $10,000 at a US
auction in December 2011, a 43.06% increase on the PFC40 Autograph Index listing of £4,500 (approx. $6,990).
Page 1 • Napoleon Memorabilia Market Update • 10 January 2012
Adrian Roose (Analyst)
+ 44 (0) 117 933 9503
ar@paulfrasercollectibles.com
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
The Paul Fraser Collectibles View:
Napoleon signed items continue to perform superbly at auction.
The PFC40 Autograph Index shows that the average value of a Napoleon signed letter increased in value by 14.70% pa between 2000 and
2011, from £995 ($1,545) to £4,500 ($6,990).
The December 2011 auction of a series of Napoleon signed letters,
each for $10,000, suggests a review of the value of Napoleon’s signature is required.
A handwritten, signed love letter sent by Napoleon to his future wife,
Josephine, auctioned for £276,000 ($427,500) in 2007. It is one of
only three known letters from Napoleon to Josephine. Its considerable price suggests there is great appetite for the most unique, personal, handwritten Napoleon letters.
Napoleon artefacts, including some highly-personal oddities, are
also performing well.
We recently sold a red sash worn by Napoleon during his exile on St
Helena for £2,950 ($4,570). The item’s fascinating history and superb
provenance (it was passed down through generations of the same
family) helped account for the strong price.
A tooth, removed during Napoleon’s time on St Helena, sold for
£11,000 ($17,050) in November 2005, while the current owner of
Napoleon’s penis recently turned down an offer of $100,000 to part
with it. The “Little General’s” appendage last changed hands in 1977,
for just $3,000.
Napoleon Bonaparte signed letter to
the Duc de Feltre - Feb 13th 1813
These figures indicate that the most personal Napoleon artefacts are
selling for premium amounts.
Major Napoleon sales in Europe, the US and New Zealand in recent
years are evidence of the global appeal of Napoleon and worldwide
desire for his collectibles.
We expect demand for the rarest, most valuable Napoleon artefacts
to grow significantly over the coming years, as more collectors enter
this hugely enjoyable sector.
For these reasons we recommend the finest Napoleon collectibles as
a BUY.
FOR SALE: £3,950
Demographics behind the market:
A heightened interest in Napoleon collectibles is apparent from recent auction results.
Page 2 • Napoleon Memorabilia Market Update • 10 January 2012
For further reports in this
series please email
info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
The baby-boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) is
a major factor behind the surge.
This generation has an unprecedented level of disposable income,
with recent figures suggesting that it holds 80% of global wealth. As
increasing numbers of baby boomers enter retirement, expect to see
them finding more time for their hobbies and passions, such as the
collection of historically important artefacts.
Napoleon Bonaparte signed letter
May 4th 1815 - just 5 weeks before
the Battle of Waterloo
A recent Goldman Sachs report stating that there will be an extra 2bn
people in the middle class bracket by 2050 also gives much room for
optimism. The majority of the world’s 200m serious collectors can be
found among the middle classes. This growth will help boost demand
for Napoleon items.
Market Performance Catalyst:
We expect baby boomers and the expanding middle classes around
the world to continue to drive prices in the forthcoming years.
And as we approach the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo,
in 2015, and his death, in 2021, we expect interest in Napoleon and
his collectibles to increase yet further.
FOR SALE: £3,950
Major celebrations took place in France and around the world in
1969 to commemorate his birth. Similar events are expected in 2021,
which can only bring a greater number of collectors to the Napoleon
market.
We’ve recently witnessed great demand for collectibles associated
with Napoleon’s British foe, Lord Nelson. A Lord Nelson signed letter
is currently valued at £9,500 ($14,720) by the PFC40 Autograph Index,
suggesting that similar Napoleon signed-letters are currently undervalued at £4,500 ($6,990).
Investment-grade Napoleon memorabilia and signed letters are rare.
Their finite number, allied with an expected increase in demand over
the coming years, suggests values will soar.
200
There are an estimated...
million serious collectors worldwide
Summary:
The rarest Napoleon collectibles, whether they are personal possessions or signed letters, saw a high level of continued demand in 2011,
with prices to match.
The Napoleon market has witnessed:
•
Signed letters up 14.70% pa between 2000 and 2011
Page 3 • Napoleon Memorabilia Market Update • 10 January 2012
For further reports in this
series please email
info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
• Estimate-smashing sales of personal items in 2011,
such as his snuff box and wine glass.
200 years on and the interest in Napoleon shows no sign of abating.
With demographics as strong as they are we believe the passion for
Napoleon will continue.
$427,500
2007 Record price for a Napoleon letter:
Unfortunately, the Napoleon market is not immune to fakes and forgeries, so we recommend clients only purchase fully authenticated
items, preferably offered with a lifetime money back guarantee.
Key reasons to invest:
• The current low interest environment represents a real
opportunity to build a valuable collection for long term value
• Many alternative investments are classified as ‘wasting assets’
and do not come into inheritance or Capital Gains Tax
calculations
• Unique collectibles have historically been considered ‘safe
havens’ and have a low correlation with traditional financial
investments
A love letter to his
future wife Josephine
Key facts:
•
14.7% pa growth of Napoleon
signed letters between 2000-11
•
Growing middle class worldwide with disposable income
•
Enduring Military and Historic
legacy
• World record prices are being achieved despite the recession
• There are estimated to be 200m serious collectors worldwide
underpinning prices
• The population of the BRIC countries is expected to double
in the next 40 years, adding significantly to the number of
collectors
• The Baby Boomer generation is making its way through the
system and is now responsible for 80% of the world’s wealth
• Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations,
with a higher level of disposable income, and with time on
their hands to pursue collecting in a serious way
• Many Institutional Funds have been created in collectibles
with many more waiting in the wings. These funds will add
significantly to the pressure on prices and to a shortage of
unique pieces on the market
• Collectibles as part of your overall portfolio give you greater
control over allocating and preserving your wealth, and the
ability to manage the process yourself, giving you confidence
where it has been lost in the bigger financial product areas
Page 4 • Napoleon Memorabilia Market Update • 10 January 2012
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
About Paul Fraser Collectibles:
Paul Fraser Collectibles is recognised as one of the world’s leading
boutique providers of investment grade collectibles.
Our company specialises in historical manuscripts, autographs, memorabilia, rare coins, postage stamps, art, first edition books, classic
cars, fine wine and military medals.
We also offer a unique, free worldwide news service with subscribers
in 212 countries, including a loyal following of Financial Advisers and
Wealth Managers.
Paul Fraser Collectibles also boasts an expert panel, with more than
250 years’ experience and $750m of sales to its name.
Our current inventory includes Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 training suit,
Henry VIII signed documents and an original Declaration of Independence.
Many items qualify for our unique 120% guarantee.
For full details on our services, and for other free reports in this
series, please contact us at:
info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
+44 (0) 117 933 9503
This document is non-independent investment research and a marketing communication.
Page 5 • Napoleon Memorabilia Market Update • 10 January 2012
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com