Aug 8, 2023
The Guillotine of Nantes: A Historical Marvel

Have you ever come across a guillotine, one that isn’t merely a toy, but the real deal? If not, here’s a unique opportunity.

This year, on March 27, 2014, a functioning guillotine will be auctioned off in Nantes, a vibrant town located 383 kilometers southwest of Paris.

Handled by the reputed auctioneers, Enchères Talma, this macabre piece of history is estimated to command a price ranging between €50,000 to €60,000. Despite its fascinating history and its association with two medical professionals from France, Antoine Louis and Joseph Ignace Guillotin, no potential buyers have emerged as the auction draws near.

This guillotine, affectionately dubbed “Louisette,” towers at a height of 300 centimeters. Constructed from a combination of iron, steel, copper, and wood, its intricate design is both chilling and mesmerizing. The blade, set at an oblique angle, was designed for efficiency, ensuring a clean cut rather than a painful crush.

According to Enchères Talma, this particular guillotine, labeled as Lot 201 in an extensive auction, was utilized by the army during France’s Second Empire under Napoléon 3. However, the buyer will face a catch – this historical artifact cannot leave France without an export license, which the French State is unlikely to provide.

Curious about where you can view a guillotine in Paris? The Police Museum, or Le Musee de la Prefecture de Police, located in Paris’s 5th district, houses one. There, you can also marvel at a guillotine blade from the time of the French Revolution. Interestingly, there’s even a guillotine in a jazz club in Paris’ Latin Quarter, though it’s not a relic from the Revolution.

A Glimpse into the Dark History of Guillotines

In my true-crime book, “DIE IN PARIS,” I delve into the chilling story of Dr. Marcel Petiot, France’s most infamous serial killer, and his fateful encounter with the guillotine in 1946.

One intriguing excerpt from the book recounts Dr. Petiot’s final moments:

As the moment approached, Marcel declined a traditional glass of rum. Instead, he opted for a cigarette, taking a deep drag, creating rings in the stagnant air, signaling he was ready for his inevitable fate. His journey to the guillotine was marked by eerie silence and the haunting sound of chains. As the instrument of his doom waited in the courtyard, Marcel underwent the rituals – a neck shave and preparation for the guillotine’s grim embrace.

For those interested in exploring this thrilling story further, “DIE IN PARIS” is available in both e-book and paperback formats.

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