Some unusual letters that I have received recently. A Mrs. Fay Hilbert in Louisiana has written regarding a small statue of Napoleon given to her great-greatgrandfather, Joseph Sporer, by the great man himself. It is one inch high, and was supposedly given to seven of his lieutenants after the battle of Waterloo. The story goes that he commissioned them to be made from a cannon ball that was used at the battle, wanting his trusted aides to have a memento of himself because they were his only true friends!
Mrs. Hilbert has enclosed some press cuttings of the statue and its story published in various American newspapers. She has no idea of the value of the item, but wants to sell it. If anyone can shed some light on this figure and its rather romantic story, or wishes to find out more, then write to me c/o NN&Q and I will pass your letter on.
Cathleen Tulloch runs CURIOUS CLIPPINGS, an old newspaper service. She has an issue of THE SCOTSMAN dated 7th August 1824 in which are extracts of the last will and testament of Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are interested in purchasing this item (price £ 30) then contact her at: 108 Netherby Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3LS. Tel. 031-552 8035.
That's it for this issue. Best wishes for the New Year.
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