There are many things around the world that are really priceless and it is difficult to decide the amount of money that they deserve. Antiques are among these priceless things, they date back to old ages and are considered to be rare. There are some people who have the desire to collect and possess these things for themselves to be the only persons who have those unique and rare objects. They think that such rare objects deserve any money required for purchasing them. Some of the antiques are sold at public auctions to be known for many people, while the others are sold at private sales. There are antiques that cost millions of dollars, but what are they and how do they look like? To know more, we present to you the following 10 most expensive antiques ever sold in the whole world.
10. Napoleon’s Sword – $6.4 million
It is the sword that Napoleon Bonaparte used in his campaign when he invaded Egypt. The sword was given after that to Bonaparte’s brother in his wedding. The sword was sold at an auction for 6.4 million.
9. Germain Royal Soup Tureen – $9.7 million
It is a French piece of art that is made of silver and it features four legs and animals on the top of the tureen to decorate it. It was especially crafted for King Louis XV. The tureen was sold at an auction in November 1996 for $9.760.946.
8. Antique Secretary Desk by the Goddard & Townsend Families – $ 11.4 million
It is an American piece of furniture which dates back to the 18th century. It was purchased by Christies at an auction in New York in 1989 for 11.480.675.
7. Emerald & Diamond Tiara Once Belonging to the Wife of French Emperor Napoleon III – $12.1 million
This tiara or crown belongs to the wife of the French Emperor Napoleon III. It is inlaid with emerald stones and diamonds. The tiara was sold at an auction in May 2011 for $12.106.892.
6. Ming Dynasty Gold Tripod Vessel – $14.2 million
It is a fabulous Chinese piece of art that is made of gold. It features two dragons, three legs and inlaid with pearls. It was sold in April 2008 at an auction for $14.232.241.
5. Moonflask in Pink and Blue Enamel w/ White Porcelain – $15.1 million
This flask was crafted in the 18th century and there is another one which looks exactly the same and it is placed in the Matsuoka Art Museum in Tokyo. The Moonflask is made from porcelain and the colors that are used in this flask make it charming. The Moonflask was last sold in Hong Kong at an auction in 2010 for $15.181.057.
4. Olyphant – $16.1 million
It is a horn that can be used in both hunting and fighting in battles, so it is called hunting horn or battle horn. It was crafted along time ago as it dates back to 11th century. The estimated value of this piece is $16.129.873.
3. Badminton Cabinet – $28.8 million
This piece of furniture was crafted in Florence by 30 craftsmen. They needed a long time to finish such a piece as they spent six years in crafting it. It was sold before to the Prince of Liechtenstein, but it is placed now in the Liechtenstein Museum to be shown to all the visitors of the museum. The estimated value of this piece is $28.842.236.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester – $30.8 million
It is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s great works and it represents a scientific document that includes theories and sketches for da Vinci in more than one field such as geography and astronomy. All the topics in the document have da Vinci’s signature which proves that it is authentic. It was sold to Earl of Leicester in 1717 and thus, it has taken its name. The document was sold at an auction to one of the richest men in the world who is Bill Gates for $30,802,500
1. Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase – $80.2 million
It is ranked as the most expensive sold antique in the whole world. This vase is very old and it is said that it returns back to the 18th century, year 1740. The vase was exhibited to be sold at an auction in the United Kingdom in 2010. This beautiful Chinese vase was finally sold for $80.263.506.
