Topic: Napoleon Bonaparte

Pierre-Jean Chalencon, internationally recognized for his expertise in antiquities from Napoleon 1 and his Imperial Court, talks about the famous hat worn by Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) as preperations are made for the opening of the "Treasures of Napoleon," at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis on November 10, 2010. The "Treasures of Napoleon," features more than 300 objects from the First Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, including original framed paintings, sculptures, personal effects, prints and documents as well as furniture from the Imperial palaces. Napoleon preferred to wear the hat parallel with his shoulders, so that in battle, he could be distinguished from his officers, who wore their hats "fore-and-aft." The exhibit runs until April 2011. UPI/Bill Greenblatt