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Story
June 18, 1851
Staunton Spectator
Staunton, Virginia
What is this article about?
Napoleon commissions a bullet-proof coat of mail from a Paris artisan for 18,000 francs before his Belgium campaign. The artisan delivers it, and Napoleon tests it by firing pistols and a fowling-piece at him, unharming him. Napoleon pays the agreed sum plus an equal amount for the fright.
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Full Text
Napoleon's Coat of Mail.
Just before Napoleon set out for Belgium, he sent for the cleverest artisan of his class in Paris, and demanded of him whether he would engage to make a coat of mail to be worn under the ordinary military dress, which shall be absolutely bullet-proof, and that if so, he might name his own price for such a work.
The man engaged to make the desired object, if allowed proper time, and he named eighteen thousand francs as the price of it. The bargain was concluded, and in due time the work was produced, and the artisan honored with a second audience of the Emperor.
'Now,' said his Imperial Majesty, 'put it on.' The man did so. 'As I am to stake my life on its efficacy, you will, I suppose, have no objection to do the same.' And he took a brace of pistols, and prepared to discharge one of them at the breast of the astonished artist.
There was no retreating, however, and half dead with fear he stood the fire, and to the infinite credit of his work, with perfect impunity. But the Emperor was not content with one trial. He fired the second pistol at the back of the artist, and afterwards discharged a fowling-piece at another part of him, with similar effect.
'Well,' said the Emperor, 'you have produced a capital work undoubtedly. What is to be the price of it?' Eighteen thousand francs were named as the agreed sum. 'There is an order for them,' said the Emperor, 'and here is another for an equal sum, for the fright I have given you.'
Just before Napoleon set out for Belgium, he sent for the cleverest artisan of his class in Paris, and demanded of him whether he would engage to make a coat of mail to be worn under the ordinary military dress, which shall be absolutely bullet-proof, and that if so, he might name his own price for such a work.
The man engaged to make the desired object, if allowed proper time, and he named eighteen thousand francs as the price of it. The bargain was concluded, and in due time the work was produced, and the artisan honored with a second audience of the Emperor.
'Now,' said his Imperial Majesty, 'put it on.' The man did so. 'As I am to stake my life on its efficacy, you will, I suppose, have no objection to do the same.' And he took a brace of pistols, and prepared to discharge one of them at the breast of the astonished artist.
There was no retreating, however, and half dead with fear he stood the fire, and to the infinite credit of his work, with perfect impunity. But the Emperor was not content with one trial. He fired the second pistol at the back of the artist, and afterwards discharged a fowling-piece at another part of him, with similar effect.
'Well,' said the Emperor, 'you have produced a capital work undoubtedly. What is to be the price of it?' Eighteen thousand francs were named as the agreed sum. 'There is an order for them,' said the Emperor, 'and here is another for an equal sum, for the fright I have given you.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Napoleon
Coat Of Mail
Bullet Proof
Artisan
Pistol Test
Fowling Piece
What entities or persons were involved?
Napoleon
The Artisan
Where did it happen?
Paris
Story Details
Key Persons
Napoleon
The Artisan
Location
Paris
Event Date
Just Before Napoleon Set Out For Belgium
Story Details
Napoleon hires a Paris artisan to create a bullet-proof coat of mail for 18,000 francs. After delivery, Napoleon tests it by shooting the artisan with pistols and a fowling-piece, proving its efficacy. He pays the fee plus an equal sum for the terror caused.