A weekend of Imperial Jubilee (in Republican France!) celebrating the achievements of Napoleon ended with an auction of important documents. Top of the auction lots was Empress Josephine's copy of their marriage contract - his is in the national archives. Sold for 5 times estimate at 437000 euros to a private company called Aristophil, specialising in the purchase and sale of French manuscripts. Aristophil also own a Musee des Lettres in Paris where the document is likely to be exhibited.
The contract would be invalid today as the notaire had gallantly reduced Josephine's age by 4 years and increased her husband's by one year, so that they were the same age, rather than the Empress being six years Napolean's senior.
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