Lot 6690
Graf Maximilian von Holnstein of Bavaria (1835 - 1895), aide-de-camp to Ludwig II – his personal lion's head sabre
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 | A108m | Live auction | 1240 Lots
Hammer price € 4,200
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Sturdy, slightly curved, pipe-backed blade of forged Damascus steel (somewhat stained, minor pitting), the inscription „Damast garantirt" etched at the root. Both sides of the upper half lavishly etched with tendrils, trophies and sovereign's cipher „L" below the royal crown (Ludwig II). Large knuckle-bow hilt in non-ferrous metal with lavish relief decoration (remnants of gilding), fish-scale grip (rubbed) with triple silver wire winding. Lion's head grip cap with two red glass eyes. The royal crown appliquéd on the obverse languet, the reverse languet engraved „Graf von Holnstein aus Bayern". Burnished steel scabbard with two movable suspension rings and carrying eyelet. Signs of age and handling. Length 97 cm. Graf Max von Holnstein served as Oberstallmeister to Ludwig II and had a major influence on politics in the Kingdom of Bavaria. As an advisor to the monarch, Holnstein was involved in drawing up the „Kaiserbrief", which offered the Prussian Wilhelm I the imperial dignity of the new German Reich. In 1886, Holnstein was also instrumental in the legal incapacitation of Ludwig II. At the court in Munich, Holnstein, whom the Bavarian people nicknamed „Roßober" (Horse Superior), was considered a grey eminence with great influence over the King. This sabre represents a rarity of unique historical significance.Condition: II Questions about the lot?
