05-11-2017 – 16-11-2017
75th Auction
Anniversary Auction of Hermann Historica
The 75th auction of Hermann Historica GmbH in Munich will take place from 6 to 17 November with the usual wide range of high quality, precious objects from numerous eras and originating from all over the world, including three special collections. Approximately 6,800 collector’s items, some without equal, from all specialist areas represented by the auction house – antiquities, arms and armour, works of art, hunting antiques, orders and collectibles from all fields of history and military history – are to come under the hammer.
Prehistoric Kylia idol. Estimate: 12,000 euros.
Antiquities
One of the exquisite highlight of the antiquities catalogue: A magnificent and perfectly preserved Kylia idol from the prehistoric period. Standing just 13 centimetres high, featuring the characteristic shortened arms, bent at an angle, and slightly raised head, the highly stylised female figure was carved in marble during the second half of the third millennium B.C. in Anatolia. The typical pose earned idols of this kind the epithet of “Stargazer”. Bids are invited from 12,000 euros for the idol.
Oxen made from jade, Tang dynasty (618-907). Estimate: 50,000 euros.
Jades
For thousands of years, the passion for jades has been a distinctive symbol of Chinese civilisation. Hermann Historica is now offering a special catalogue of some 150 superb, intricately carved, miniature artworks in its anniversary auction “Jade, weighted by aeons of Chinese culture”. The selection includes a number of exquisite pieces, like the naturalistically modelled, vivid depiction of two oxen from the Tang dynasty, 618 to 907 A.D., measuring an impressive 26.5 cm wide and 14.4 cm high. This formidable piece is expected to fetch a minimum of 50,000 euros.
Works of art
Once again, the works of art in the Autumn Auction comprise precious, exquisitely wrought “wunderkammer” objects, like the decorative ivory ewer, as exquisite as it is striking, with its impressive height of 43.5 centimetres, which was carved in Erbach in 1910. The base is embellished with gadrooned decoration and bead and reel ornaments, while the body features a multi-figured, antique scene in high relief. According to the attached expert report, this incomparable piece was created by the supremely skilful carver Otto Glenz (1863-1948) and may be acquired from 12,000 euros.
Arms and Armour
The arms and armour section unveils a captivating array of elaborately worked, fully documented rarities, all in impeccable condition. Particularly awe-inspiring is an early officer’s suit of armour, which was forged in 1540 in Nuremberg, one of the German centres of the armourers’ craft. Comprising a burgonet of the Hungarian type, forged in one piece and tapering to a point, full arm defences, roped flanges on the breast, back and gorget, as well as articulated gauntlets, the suit of armour is an exceptionally homogenous example and may be acquired from 22,000 euros.
17th century Hussar cuirass. Estimate: 28,000 euros.
Polish History Museum, Muri
The artist, designer, philosopher and fervent patriot, Zygmunt Stankiewicz (1914-2010) promoted the interests of his Polish homeland throughout his life and accumulated over decades a collection for which he specifically founded the Polish History Museum. This unrivalled collection is now being offered for sale with a dazzling array of exquisite pieces, like a 17th century Hussar cuirass. With a reserve of 28,000 euros, the armour with a helmet, a gorget, two pauldrons, the matching breastplate and backplate, all sliding on the characteristic lames and lavishly embellished with brass trims and domed rivets.
Military history and historical objects
Once again, this auction will see significant collectors’ items from the courts of Europe’s ruling houses being offered for sale. One particular highlight is a meticulously documented artefact from the estate of the last German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941). Presented by the Prussian Officers’ Corps on the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1908, the marshal’s baton is identical to other marshal’s batons of the time. Bids from 35,000 euros are now welcomed for the splendid baton, wrought in gold, silver, enamel and velvet, embellished with the Kaiser’s appliquéd monogram “WR II”, the Prussian crown and inscriptions of the occasion and the benefactors.
Special catalogue of military headgear up to 1918
The splendour and status of the military seldom find such direct expression than in the historical headgear worn by soldiers. With a focus on Austrian and German helmets, two exceptional collections that had been amassed with enormous dedication over many years have been merged in the special catalogue and are now being offered for auction. They include remarkable rarities, such as a helmet made for the k.u.k First Arcieren Life Guards of 1905. Its silver skull adorned with fire-gilt fittings and topped with an impressive white horsehair plume, the magnificent helmet is expected to fetch 14,000 euros.
Gold collar of the Knightly House Order of St. Hubert. Estimate: 45,000 euros.
Orders and Insignia
An extensive collection originating from a noble house, namely the estate of Prince Alfons of Bavaria (1862-1933) is being put up for auction. The collection offers the opportunity to purchase rarities like the gold collar of the Knightly House Order of St. Hubert. The highly distinguished order decoration is adorned with scenes from St. Hubert’s life in coloured enamel and boasts an attached order cross. Prince Alfons of Bavaria was admitted to the first and highest order of the Kingdom of Bavaria by his uncle, King Ludwig II. As it comes with an accompanying letter, handwritten by King Ludwig II, this lot is sure to coax an enthusiast into parting with 45,000 euros.
Cased pair of splendid gilt percussion pistols from the workshop of Le Page Moutier. Estimate: 12,000 euros.
Fine antique and modern firearms
This autumn sees another exclusive selection of high grade, antique firearms, for example a cased pair of splendid gilt percussion pistols from the workshop of the son-in-law of the celebrated Henri Le Page, Le Page Moutier, is estimated at 12,000 euros. Complete with all accessories, their ebony stocks deeply carved with scrolling leaves and the gilt iron furniture with floral engraving, the striking pistols were made circa 1850 in the gunsmith’s workshop in Paris.
You can view all objects of this auction on the website of Hermann Historica.