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Ahead of the auction, Osenat told Reuters the black beaver felt hat in the traditional bicorne shape was a trademark for Napoleon, who had owned about 120 such hats throughout his life.

He owned around 120 bicorne hats over the years, with only 20 thought to remain - many in private collections.

The story behind this hat is very different from other Napoleonic bicornes that have been offered on the market, according to Cottle.

His name and iconic image — the bicorne hat worn sideways, the army greatcoat, the hand inserted in the vest — are instantly recognizable the world over.

The tricorne hats the brothers had worn until then were swapped for bicornes as a tribute to Bonaparte.