The personal volume of Napoleon Bonaparte Ist Consul
of the French Civil Code
Sale on March 6, 2025
On the occasion of its fine Books and Manuscripts sale on March 6, Tajan Auction House is honored to auction Napoleon Bonaparte Ist Consul’s personal volume of the French Civil Code.
NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE. – French Civil Code. First and only official edition. Paris, Imprimerie de la République, 1804. In-4, long-grained red morocco, framed palm roulette, radiating disk at corners, large central escutcheon bearing the numeral NB, smooth spine adorned with alternating antique-style urns and serrated ovals, and small fans in the corners, on the coupes and in the inner frame, frieze of grecques, gilt edges (Contemporary binding).
Napoleon Bonaparte’s precious personal volume of the first edition of the Code civil. Printed on large vellum, bearing a red wax stamp with the words “Bonaparte Ier Consul de la Rep”, it is bound in the First Consul’s NB cipher.
Estimate: 100 000 / 200 000 €
The genesis of the Civil Code was fully presided over and led by Napoleon, who actively launched this important reform from 1800 onwards. This work was a major stake for Napoleon Bonaparte, who used it as a tool of power and prestige. The original in-4 edition is rare, and only one other copy in large vellum paper is mentioned in La Malmaison’s catalog (1829, no. 284). We know of 3 copies of this original in-4 edition on vellum for consuls, two of which are held at the BnF. But this volume on large wove paper with the First Consul’s figure is the only one in private hands. Since the fall of the Empire, it has remained within the same family. It contains a precious autograph letter signed by J.-P. Charvet, son of Saint-Cloud steward Étienne Charvet, testifying to its provenance; this Civil Code was part of Napoleon’s personal library at Saint-Cloud. The First Consul’s personal volume is particularly precious, as the Civil Code is Napoleon’s greatest work. It is one of the most important titles in his private libraries, and the Emperor wanted it to be present in every study in all his residences, even on the Isle of Elba. Before his death on St. Helena, Napoleon said:
“What nothing will erase, what will live forever, is my civil code!”
AUCTION’S INFORMATION
Books, Manuscripts & Prints
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Tajan, 37 rue des Mathurins, 75008 Paris
CONTACTS
Alexia Taiclet – Director, Books, Manuscripts & Prints
+33 1 53 30 30 84 – [email protected]
Ségolène Beauchamp – Member of the “Compagnie Nationale des experts”
+33 6 64 67 12 60 – [email protected]
Ariane de Miramon – Press, Communication & Marketing Director
+33 1 53 30 30 68 – [email protected]