Phenomenal insignia, historical rarities in the form of uniforms, helmets, swords and more are to come under the hammer in the large auction of pre-1918 orders and military collectibles on Monday, 4 November. Buyers can look forward to a lineup of 938 artefacts.

In Bavaria, the name "Montgelas" immediately conjures up the famous reformer, who held a ministerial post at the Prince Elector's royal court around 1800. His descendants were equally distinguished, as shown by a number of valuable orders awarded to General Maximilian Maria Karl Desiderius Graf von Montgelas, which Hermann Historica is proud to present in this auction (lot 177). This eminent decoration has a starting price of 12,000 euros.

Furthermore, the auction house is offering another significant group of orders from a noble Bavarian estate. They come from a family of high dignitaries, chamberlains and diplomats at the Bavarian court (lots 144, 145, 149).

Bids from 28,000 euros are now invited for a helmet M 1814 worn by an officer of the Mousquetaires de la garde, 1st Compagnie "Mousquetaires gris" (lot 264). Given its immaculate condition, this helmet would grace any museum collection.

The Musketeers of the Guard were a unit of the French king's household troops and served as palace guards. They were made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Three Musketeers" and its film adaptations. They existed from 1622 to 1815 and were briefly re-established after Napoleon was defeated, before being finally dissolved in December 1815.

Dating from around 1900, the regimental standard for the Prussian Uhlan Regiment "Graf zu Dohna" (lot 768) is truly one of a kind. It is now expected to change hands for 35,000 euros. The multi-layered standard cloth was sewn in several parts. Made of blue, white and black silk, it is lavishly embroidered in silver thread and patterned on both sides. Meanwhile, red silk and a silver fringe add colourful accents.

A highlight of the jewellery section is a magnificent, convertible collier studded with sapphires and diamonds (lot 4598). The necklace boasts a total of seven dark green, shimmering blue sapphires in prong settings (together approx. 6.94 ct), completely surrounded by diamonds. All in all, it is set with 309 diamonds (together approx. 11.66 ct). The central drop element is detachable, meaning the collier can also be worn as a chain. Bids from 10,000 euros are now invited for this stunning bijou.

Moreover, Hermann Historica is showcasing a large selection of antique jewellery. One example is a diadem made of electron plate and sheet silver from the Copper Age of Anatolia (lot 4036). Similar diadems made of precious metal are documented from royal burials in Copper Age rulers' necropolises, for example. The asking price of this gem is 8,500 euros.

Several Meissen collector's items from the "Schneeballen" series are coming under the hammer, such as a large snowball vase with birds after a design by Johann Joachim Kaendler (lot 4777). The new owner will have to part with a minimum of 1,500 euros. The "Schneeballen" tea set is an extremely rare find (lot 4778). The six-piece service is lavishly covered with snowball flowers, appliquéd green branches and leaves. Offers from 2,000 euros are now welcome.

The admirable pieces of Italian majolica painting from the 16th century (lot 4722) will also meet with approval. Worthy of special mention, this plate from Urbino bears impressive witness to the skilful craftsmanship of its maker. It is now listed at 13,000 euros.

Lot 4116 may be regarded as a highlight from the Roman Empire. Weighing a whopping 14.65 kg, the colossal brass ingot with stamps from the 1st century is spectacular in every way. On the one hand, the ingot is a fascinating testament to Roman industry in technical terms, yet it can also be considered an artefact of high aesthetic beauty. A virtually identical piece, with roughly the same measurements and weight, changed hands in 2015, fetching 30,000 euros. At the time, the ingot was considered unique. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a companion piece at Hermann Historica for 25,000 euros.

Today, it is impossible to believe that a prince archbishop had an armed guard. Life was very different in the 17th century. From this period, circa 1612, comes a distinguished two-handed sword wielded by the trabant guard of Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, bearing the clergyman's personal coat of arms (lot 6380). The inventory stamps on the guards can be traced to the holdings of the armoury of the city of Munich in 1849. Salzburg was occupied by Bavarian troops under Napoleon from 1810 to 1816. At this time, a large part of the local arsenal stock was brought to Munich, where it remains to this day. This fabulous sword now has a catalogue price of 12,000 euros.

In days gone by, combatants protected themselves not just with weapons, they also wore armour. The black and white half armour with etched bands is clear evidence of this (lot 6262). It was forged circa 1560 in South Germany. The burgonet is fitted with hinged cheek pieces, while the ridged breastplate boasts decorative engraving. Approximately 125 centimetres high, the backplate with its distinctly domed shoulder blades, riveted side plates and culet shielded the wearer from attacks from behind.  Armour aficionados can snap up this beautiful set for its catalogue price of 16,000 euros.

On Thursday, 21 November, collectors can relish the prospect of more than 850 prize weapons in the modern civilian systems at Hermann Historica. One highlight of the auction is a Heckler & Koch P7 M13, "Training Program Weapon" (lot 8342). In near mint condition, it notches up extra points for its original plastic box that includes the instruction manual. As the eleventh series-produced pistol, this nonpareil is sure to coax an enthusiast into investing 5,000 euros.

The next pièce de résistance is a pistol by Gustav Bittner, Weipert Mod. 1893 (lot 8564). With an eight-groove rifled octagonal barrel and the original logo, the superb weapon is in beautiful condition overall. It was produced in 1893 by Gustav Bittner, the owner of the arms factory of the same name in Weipert/Bohemia. As this type of pistol failed to achieve commercial success, it is now extraordinarily rare. Aficionados can snap up this sought-after piece for 6,800 euros.

It is no exaggeration to claim that the Mauser C96 Flatside from 1901 is remarkably rare (lot 9581). Not only is this fantastic pistol perfectly engineered, it is also in outstanding condition. Bidding starts from 9,500 euros for this firearm with its fascinating military history.

Moreover, the Savage 1907 is another exceptionally rare historical weapon in admirable condition (lot 9390). The pistol with the number 39 was issued for testing to the U.S. Military Troop I, 3rd Cavalry Regiment from March 1909 to February 1910 and from July 1910 to March 1911. The weapons were subsequently refurbished and sold to private individuals. This phenomenal firearm is now open to bids from 11,500 euros.