MUNICH, APRIL 2023
Orders and military collectibles – two days of auctions, two days of museum-level testimonies to the past
On the final two auction days, 11 and 12 May, Hermann Historica will be presenting valuable insignia and orders, contemporary documents, sabres, uniforms and headgear from Germany and all over the world. Moreover, the historical auction house is attracting collectors and curators to its Spring Auction with the promise of an important private collection of Bulgarian orders.
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918
On 11 May, Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 are on the agenda, with well over 600 lots coming under the hammer. Once again, Hermann Historica has succeeded in offering numerous rarities that would take pride of place in any museum.
Rich pickings are to be had in the chapter of edged weapons with lot 3105 from France. This gem is an exceptionally rare dagger produced for the Mamelukes de la Garde Impériale in Versailles. The beautifully shaped weapon was used by a small elite unit that served Napoleon from around 1801. The unusual blade is expected to change hands for 8,000 euros.
Meanwhile, a Russian silver cartridge case dated 1885 (lot number 3247) is another singularly rare find. It was presented by commanders of the 2nd Mounted Life Guards Artillery Brigade to Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich Romanov, then Commander-in-Chief of the brigade. The lid is engraved with the Cyrillic inscription of the unit, along with the star of the Order of St. Andrew. The cartridge case is sure to coax an enthusiast into investing 30,000 euros.
Lot 3401 is a key document from German history. This is an opportunity to acquire a personal letter from Friedrich Engels (1820 - 1895) to the social-democratic journalist Carl Hirsch. He is replying to Hirsch's letter dated 16 March 1895, in which the communist was asked to edit four articles written by Hirsch. Offers from 25,000 euros are now invited for Engel's comments, penned on two small double sheets of notepaper.
Hermann Historica boasts a veritable sensation among the orders. An important private collection of Bulgarian insignia that spans the reigns of three sovereigns – Prince Alexander I, Tsar Ferdinand I and Tsar Boris III – is coming under the hammer. The almost 180 decorations range from the Military Order of Bravery to the Order of St Alexander, the Order of Civil Merit and the Order of Military Merit, culminating in Bulgaria's highest honour, the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Even the rarest grades and classes of these orders, some studded with diamonds, will be up for sale (lot numbers 3456 - 3633).
Orders and Military Collectibles from 1919 onwards
Friday, 12 May, will be dedicated to the chapter of "Orders and Military Collectibles from 1919 onwards". No doubt the 800 lots will spark a number of bidding contests.
Not just timepiece connoisseurs will prick up their ears when lot number 4051 is announced. A gold pocket watch made by Lange & Söhne will certainly not disappoint. The 18-carat hunter pocket watch was a Christmas present from Hitler to his Marineadjutant von Puttkamer, the case engraved with the dedication: "Mit besten Weihnachtswünschen - Adolf Hitler - 24.12.35". The gilt 3/4 plate movement, ALS-branded in "1a" quality, is set with 20 rubies. This distinguished and fully functional precision pocket watch was consigned directly by the von Puttkamer family
Porcelain figures from the Manufaktur Allach are sought after the world over. The Spring Auction is thus guaranteed to see keen interest in both the Luftwaffe officer designed by Prof. Th. Kärner with his engraving (lot number 4091) and the rare "Hitler Youth drummer boy", after a design by Richard Förster (lot number 4090). Asking prices vary from 4,000 euros (lot 4090) to 6,000 euros (lot 4091).
Lot number 4170 is definitely one of the highlights among the technical devices. The untouched "Enigma K" cipher machine with three rotors is set to be a huge draw. Originally designed for commercial use, the remarkably rare model was subsequently also issued to the Swiss army. The lid still sports a plaque marked "Enigma" plus the serial number "K 305". The catalogue price of 50,000 euros even includes the original wooden case.
Furthermore, 23 objects belonging to General Siegfried Westphal (1902 – 1982) come directly from the family estate. The large presentation box containing 85 photographs of the propaganda company Africa in 1942 is of great historical significance (lot 4214). The new owner will have to part with at least 5,000 euros. A medals cushion with numerous orders, including the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (lot 4207, starting at 600 euros) and a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (lot 4201, with a limit of 1,500 euros) will also unleash a torrent of bids.
Lot 4764 represents a notable object from recent Croatian history, namely a "Sjekirica" battle axe, dated 1942. It was given to Slavko Kvaternik (1878 – 1947) as a gift of honour from the Hlinka Guard. Of the utmost historical significance, the rare axe is destined to fetch 15,000 euros.
The whole auction is taking place at the offices of Hermann Historica in Grasbrunn, near Munich, on 6 May and from 9 to 12 May.
Moreover, you are cordially invited to inspect all objects in person at the offices of Hermann Historica in Grasbrunn, near Munich. The pre-sale viewing will take place from Tuesday, 2 May to Friday, 5 May, from 10 am to 5 pm every day. As usual, the Hermann Historica experts will be on hand to advise customers.
Or why not browse through the Hermann Historica auction catalogues? They include detailed descriptions of all lots, along with numerous high-quality photographs. Please visit www.hermann-historica.com for our free online catalogues and further information.
Please note: all prices quoted are net guide prices and do not include the 25% premium (and VAT).
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