PROVENANCE :
– Achille Archambault (1792-1858), huntsman of the Emperor Napoleon Ist
– Given to his doctor Mr. Durocher, military surgeon
– Given to Doctor Janin, September 5, 1848
– French private collection. Then by descent

Preserved under a domed glass in a blackened wooden frame with gilded bronze rim. On the back, the handwritten inscription: “Hair of Napoleon, first Emperor of the French cut from his head after his death, on the island of Saint Helena, on May 5, 1821, by Mr. Archambault, his first huntsman who never left him from 1805 until his death. He was part of the mission charged with going to retrieve the mortal remains, the transfer of which took place on the frigate La Belle Poule which entered Paris on December 15, 1840. This hair was given to Doctor Janin on September 5, 1848, by Mr. Durocher, former military surgeon who had it from Mr. Archambault, whose doctor he was. Janin on December 23, 1859.” Attached is an Autograph Letter Signed by the historian Frédéric Masson (1847-1923): “Sir, I remember your visit and I can say that given the honorability of the witnesses who certified the authenticity of the relics that you possess, there is every reason to believe it. But here, as in many things, it is faith that proves. Believe in my distinguished sentiments. Frederic Masson 29/1/(19)14.” With an autograph note below: “Dear Mr. Granet, I have the pleasure of communicating to you the above assessment of Mr. Frederic Masson, member of the French Academy and official historian of the imperial epic, certifying the absolute authenticity of the lock of hair of Napoleon I that you had entrusted to me to submit to him. » And various related documents, including a letter from the Conservation of the Château de Malmaison dating from 1912.

Born in 1792 in Fontainebleau, the young Achille Archambault entered the imperial household as a huntsman in 1805. There, he became one of Napoleon I’s favorite coachmen thanks to his agility. He thus followed the Napoleonic campaigns and accompanied the Emperor in his exile in Elba, then in the adventure of the Hundred Days as well as during the Belgian campaign of 1815. Selected to go into exile with Napoleon in Saint Helena, he took care of the Longwood stable, under the orders of General Gourgaud, and with the assistance of his brother and four grooms.

Achille Archambault was reputed to have a somewhat lively character, often turbulent especially under the influence of a certain penchant for alcohol. He nevertheless remained one of the last faithful to watch over Napoleon during his agony and he led his horse during the burial of the Emperor.

On his return from exile, he settled in Sannois, in the northern suburbs of Paris. Staying in contact with General Gourgaud (he would attend his burial in 1852), he obtained through him the position of usher at the Tuileries after 1830. He participated in the expedition for the return of the Ashes.