This unusual object is sold at a high price in Nice: why is it so expensive?

See my news
Follow Actu Nice

It could be a common mason’s hammer, but it is not: it was used to lay the first stone of the famous Alexandre III bridge in Paris in 1896.

Nearly 130 years later, it is once again on display, as it is being auctioned in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), this Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Estimated value: 15,000 euros

Its price is estimated between 12,000 and 15,000 euros because this hammer is not really ordinary. Made by the goldsmith Falize, former jeweler of the house Bapst, it was used to lay the first official stone of this bridge so famous in Paris allowing to span the Seine between the Grand and Petit Palais and the Invalides.

This inauguration took place in the presence of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, during their official visit, alongside Félix Faure, then President of the Republic, on October 7, 1896. The bridge was completed and opened during the 1900 Universal Exhibition.

Symbol of diplomacy

The hammer was later given to the then Minister of Commerce, Henry Boucher, who played a key role in bringing the Tsar and Empress to Paris. In all that time, the hammer has not been seen again, hidden in the collection of this man who reappears today for this auction.

The object is marked with the letters “N” on one side, for Nicholas II, and “RF” on the other, for the French Republic, a symbol of the meeting between the two nations and of the exceptional craftsmanship in the service of diplomacy. It was accompanied by a trowel, now missing, but which could be in Russia, according to experts.

From 20 to 15,000 euros

Other items from the same collection are on sale, such as a miniature bronze replica of the statue of Joan of Arc on horseback by Emmanuel Fremiet, which is located on the Place des Pyramides in Paris, as well as nine ornamental plaques in 23k gold repoussé representing hunting scenes or Christ scenes from the Byzantine Empire.

Estimates for the items in this Henry Boucher collection start at 20 euros and go up to 15,000 euros, with this famous hammer.

The auction takes place this Thursday, starting at 2 p.m., at Nice Million Riviera, 51 rue Beaumont. It can be followed on Drouot Live and Interenchères.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to My News.