Gun that nearly killed poet Rimbaud fetches $460,000

The most famous gun in French literary history, the revolver with which Paul Verlaine tried to kill his lover and fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, sold for $460,000 at auction in Paris on Wednesday.

The staggering price for the 7 mm six-shooter - which almost changed the course of world literature - was more than seven times the estimate, auctioneers Christie's said.

Verlaine bought the weapon in Brussels on July 10, 1873, determined to put an end to his torrid two-year affair with his teenage lover.