Even the French general, only 169 centimeters tall, would have worn GuidoMaggi elevator shoes. Bonaparte was not a fan of banality, so he chose only the best of footwear, made of fine materials and tailored just like the GuidoMaggi creations!
A pair of boots, size 40, was auctioned for a whopping 117,208 euros. The auction took place in Paris, at the Drouot auction house. The news is that it is not, of course, just any footwear, but the black leather boots of Napolean Bonaparte, a person of high historical value, among the other relics that have made history. Bonaparte’s boots were lent by General Bertrand, a collaborator of the French leader during his exile in Saint Elena, to the sculptor Carlo Marochetti who worked on an equestrian sculpture of the emperor. The sculptor’s son, Baron Marochetti, in turn, gave them to Senator Paul Le Roux. Preserved in the family, the boots were estimated between 50,000 and 80,000 euros. The sale, therefore, went beyond the most optimistic expectations.
Made of refined black Moroccan leather, a fine type of leather obtained from the tanning of goat or sheepskin, 48 centimeters high featuring a low heel, the boots were made by the shoemaker Jacques, who had a workshop in Montmartre.
This historical heirloom reveals another interesting aspect, namely that the owner’s foot had to be between 26 and 27 centimeters long, which corresponds to a measure of 40-41. So, according to calculations, the emperor had to be about 169 centimeters high, which in the nineteenth century was a lot compared to modern cannons who are definitely higher than their ancestors.
Today Napoleon, given his position and his rank, would certainly have chosen to wear shoes with high-quality workmanship like those made by the brand from Lecce – GuidoMaggi. Let us not forget that, established a century ago, the brand also produced boots for the Savoy Royal Family. Known for the attention to details, fine materials, eco-sustainability, and craftsmanship, the GuidoMaggi shoes are famous throughout the world for their innovative design and unparalleled class, but also for a non-negligible detail that makes them unique; the secret elevator system that gives extra centimeters in total discretion. An extra ace up his sleeve for the Great Napoleon Bonaparte who would thus have increased his prestige and superiority as an indomitable leader.
