Historical Collections: Memories of Great Figures

The first section will open with an exceptional collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, focusing in particular on the Egyptian Campaign and its retinue of scholars. Artcurial will feature, among other highlights, a rare copy of the Description de l’Égypte, as well as around forty preparatory drawings for the plates of the work, depicting archaeological objects, hieroglyphic surveys, and botanical studies. This remarkable ensemble includes both watercolored drawings “finalized” and submitted to the Commission of Arts, and sketches captured on the spot during the expedition.

While the military successes of the campaign, led by the young General Bonaparte, were limited, its scientific ambition represents the true triumph of the expedition. Right from the start, the vision for a monumental work took shape, directly inheriting the spirit of the Enlightenment and the Revolution.

The second section of the sale will shed light on the political and personal relationship between Paul Reynaud and Charles de Gaulle, through the rediscovery of an exceptional collection of over 70 autograph letters exchanged between 1934 and 1966, coming directly from Reynaud’s descendants. These documents reveal their analyses of the rise of Nazism, as well as their vision for a modern, offensive army. Many passages, of remarkable insight, immerse us in the pre-war period, for instance, on August 27, 1937: “It is true that if an international competition for fortresses were organized, we would certainly win…” or on October 22, 1939: “In my opinion, the enemy will not attack us for a long time. Their interest is to let our mobilized but passive army ‘cuire dans son jus’”

Among the key items is a letter dated January 30, 1940, in which Colonel de Gaulle expresses his wish to be appointed temporary brigadier general in order to influence events. A few months later, Paul Reynaud, having become President of the Council, appointed him Under-Secretary of State for War and National Defense.

The correspondence continues after the war, notably touching on Paul Reynaud’s role in drafting the Constitution of the Fifth Republic and his opposition, in 1962, to the direct election of the president by universal suffrage.

This remarkable collection is further enriched by personal mementos, including Paul Reynaud’s wristwatch and exceptional signed photographs: one by Winston Churchill, “In memory of great days”, and another by Charles de Gaulle: “To Monsieur President Paul Reynaud, who once ‘gave me the start.’ Upright through every storm, at the forefront of all events. In testimony of my respectful and exceptional attachment!”

The final section, dedicated to the Principality of Monaco, will showcase three exceptional historical timepieces that once belonged to Pierre Rey, private advisor to Prince Rainier III and a discreet yet decisive figure in Monaco’s modernization during the 1950s.

Among them: a Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 1415 in its rare “Pink on Pink” configuration (pink gold case with matching dial); a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 1526 “Big Arabic,” the first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch by the Geneva maison, with only three known examples; and finally, a Cartier Pièce de Monnaie, a secret watch specially commissioned for Pierre Rey, ingeniously set into a coin engraved with the image of Prince Rainier III, dated 1950.

Auction
Historical Souvenirs: Memories of Great Figures
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
2pm
Part 1: Witnesses of History
Part 2: Reynaud – De Gaulle, a duo at the dawn of War

6pm
Part 3: Historic Timepieces of the Principality of Monaco

Exhibition
October 11, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
October 13, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
October 14, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Contact
Maxence Miglioretti
+33 1 42 99 20 02