The online-only auction at Hermann Historica – a veritable roller coaster of bids

Moreover, a number of intriguing bidding trends were observed in the scientific instruments section. While several highlights among the wide selection of Leitz photographic equipment failed to generate response, others – such as lot 7589 – fetched spectacular final prices. Thewide-angle lens made by the prestigious company changed hands for 4,000 euros, dwarfing its limit of 260 euros. Next up, the standard lens Summilux-R by Leitz (lot number 7590) certainly caused a stir. Within minutes, bids soared from the catalogue price of 350 euros to four figures. One enthusiast was ultimately coaxed into investing 3,750 euros.

There were some thrilling bidding skirmishes over the prizes in the chapter of Asian art. A formidable Buddha Shakyamuni, lot number 7647, had been valued at 800 euros. However, the 18th or 19th century Tibetan figure of the seated Buddha was extremely well received, finally selling for 3,375 euros.

Among the antiquities, lot 7761 took the audience by storm. A Roman marble head dating from the late 2nd or early 3rd century was listed at 300 euros. However, the bearded man with an impressive head of curls enticed the winning bid of 1,750 euros.

A late Roman drinking cup, painted with a toast, found a new owner for the same price, namely 1,750 euros (lot 7787). The guide price of this rare beaker, dating from the late 3rd to the early 4th century, was just 300 euros.

On Tuesday, 21 June, buyers embarked on a journey to the world of castles and knights. The auction day was entirely dedicated to the 300 pieces of antique arms and armour. 

The centre of attention was a 16th or 17th century coat of mail from the Ottoman Empire. The hip-length coat of riveted rings, lot number 8028, was acquired for 2,000 euros, thereby exactly doubling its asking price of 1,000 euros.

From India, lot 8096 was also highly sought after. Although offers from 200 euros had been invited for the gold-inlaid tulwar dating from 1800, the avalanche of bids drove the price up to 1,625 euros.

Lot 8257 stood head and shoulders above the other German weapons. Embellished with graphic decor, the 17th century left-handed dagger now graces a new collection for 3,125 euros, its reserve of 1,900 euros notwithstanding.

By contrast, the fourth auction day on 23 June, with just under 340 military collectibles until 1918 from Germany and all over the world, was very relaxed. There were some pleasing results to report all the same.

Lot 10235, three 19th and 20th century bayonets, is naturally worthy of special mention. The thrusting weapons fetched 4,250 euros, thereby eclipsing their estimate of 200 euros.

Moreover, there was a chance to acquire a number of pieces from the fabulous tableware used by the Prussian ruling family of Wilhelm II. Art lovers were particularly taken with six dinner forks and six knives from the Kaiser's rococo table silver. Stamped with the cipher "WR" and the Prussian eagle, the cutlery (lot number 10257) was valued at 2.400 euros and found a new owner for 3,625 euros.

An inimitable wall eagle circa 1900 with the same provenance – also from the Prussian ruling house – had received numerous bids during the run-up to the auction. With its detailed rendering and solid weight of approximately 11.5 kg, the facade eagle captivated collectors from near and far. This enthusiasm was clearly reflected in their readiness to bid. The starting price of 4,000 euros was quickly forgotten as the majestic eagle, lot number 10271, ultimately hammered at 13,750 euros.

These included lot number 11270, a test panel 10 of the LN 8161 model. Mainly used to check the FuG 10 radio transceiver, only a limited number of the PT 10 were ever made. It was announced at 4,500 euros before closing at 5,625 euros.

Meanwhile, a minimum bid of 800 euros would secure a radio direction finder (lot number 11442) in original condition. Even so, the new owner had to dig deep into his pocket, pledging 3,500 euros for the 31 kg receiver.

A rare listening device for monitoring telephone calls by the manufacturer "bxo" (= Deutsche Telephonwerke und Kabelindustrie AG, Berlin), bearing the serial number 130/43, caused quite a commotion. Lot 11488 raced past its reserve of 500 euros before the gavel finally fell at 2,375 euros.