Van Gogh’s suicide weapon up for sale
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A pistol believed to have been used by Vincent van Gogh to take his own life in 1890 is to go under the hammer at an auction in Paris
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Lefaucheux revolver: Said to be “the most famous weapon in the history of art”, expected to fetch up to $67,000

Well-preserved Lefaucheux revolver for comparison

Trigger in unlocked position suggests gun may have been fired just before being abandoned
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1965: Gun found by farmer in field behind Château d’Auvers, where Dutch painter is thought to have shot himself on July 27, 1890

Scientific studies show gun had stayed in ground since 1890s
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Cemetery: Resting place of Van Gogh. He is buried next to his brother Theo

Pistol’s 7mm calibre coincides with bullet retrieved from artist’s body as described by doctor at the time

Auvers-sur- Oise
Paris 
FRANCE
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Auberge Ravoux: Van Gogh died two days later at his lodgings

Low power of gun could explain why he did not die instantly from stomach wound
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AUVERS-SUR-OISE
Château d’Auvers
Auberge Ravoux
Cemetery 
Church
Oise
100m 330ft

U.S. researchers have recently claimed that Van Gogh was shot accidentally by two local
boys playing with weapon
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Sources: AP, Drouot Pictures: Musée d’Orsay, antiquesandguns.com, Getty Images
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