Historical
Souvenirs
As it has already done with the Souvenirs of Marshal Oudinot as well as the historical collections of the Verly family, the Counts of Marcellus and the Dukes of Abrantès, the Historical Souvenirs department brings together collections with prestigious provenance. These objects are privileged witnesses to the great moments of history, be they French or foreign, relics of a murky or glorious past, but eternally precious. The department brings these collections into the spotlight, allowing us to pay tribute to the great figures of our age.
Whether they be royal or imperial items, historic documents, orders and military decorations, famous weapons, items in gold, silver or porcelain, paintings, sculptures, furniture or objects having belonged to historic, political, literary or scientific figures, the department is committed to bringing to the public moments from history.
Artcurial’s specialists are at your disposal for free and confidential valuations of your objects and works of art linked to figures who have left their mark on history.
Contacts
Expert
Gaëtan Brunel
Expert
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Historical Collections: Memories of Great Figures and Historic Timepieces from the Principality of Monaco auctions, organized by Artcurial, achieved over €1.7M, under the hammer of Stéphane Aubert and Maxence Miglioretti. The historical memorabilia, with remarkable provenances, drew strong interest, with 31 preemptions from the French National Archives and the Historical Service of the Armed Forces.
On October 15th, 2025, Artcurial will hold an exceptional auction devoted to the great figures of history, featuring a carefully curated selection of documents, objects, and mementos of strong symbolic significance. From Bonaparte to Paul Reynaud, from Charles de Gaulle to Winston Churchill, spanning the origins of modern Egyptology to the beginnings of the Fifth Republic, this three-chapter sale will highlight the men of action, science, and power who shaped their era.
On October 15th, 2025, Artcurial will auction three exceptional timepieces: two complicated watches from Patek Philippe and a special commission by Cartier bearing the likeness of Prince Rainier III.
These three watches, entrusted by the descendants of Pierre Rey – a close advisor to the Prince and a key figure of post-war Monaco – tell a chapter of Monaco’s history.
Artcurial will present a unique collection of historical souvenirs of the First and Second Empires on April 1st. This extraordinary auction will feature more than 370 lots, privileged witnesses of History, dating from the French Revolution to the Paris Commune.
On December 16, 2024, Artcurial created a historical moment by organizing, for the first time, an auction of writings and personal memorabilia of General de Gaulle, from the estate of his son, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. Directed by Stéphane Aubert, the sale achieved €5.6 million, including fees. This auction, marked by total success with 100% of lots sold, also drew the attention of major French public institutions.