Countless pièces de résistance stand out among the roughly 600 objects, including treasures from the Roman Empire. Back in the 1st century A.D., the ancient Romans came up with ingenious cooking methods, such as a complex, multi-functional kitchen utensil known as an authepsa. One such contrivance, used to warm food, is now coming under the hammer (lot number 11). Made with superlative craftsmanship, the exceptionally imposing bronze vessel certainly commands attention and would have only been used in elegant, upper class households. This fantastic piece is now expected to fetch 140,000 euros.

Next up, a fine bronze Buddha from Thailand radiates grace and aplomb (lot number 121). His hands are raised in the "abhaya mudra" gesture of fearlessness. Standing 112 cm tall, the statue cuts an impressive figure with its beautiful age patina and remnants of lacquered gilding. The delicately modelled features and light-coloured mother-of-pearl eyes enhance the Buddha's distinctive aura. Bids from 5,000 euros are now invited.

A protégé of the famous painter van Poelenburgh, Dirck van der Lisse (1607 - 1669) gained a reputation as an artist during the Golden Age in the Netherlands. Born in The Hague, the master craftsman specialised in expressive, Italian-style landscapes peopled with nymphs. Moreover, several of his paintings are on display in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich. Nonetheless, one exceptionally striking work, his "Landscape with Bathers", is now set to change hands for the sum of 8,000 euros (lot number 138).

Buyers on the lookout for fabulous seals will find rich pickings on the first day of the auction, when no less than 50 lots are to come under the hammer. Whether crafted in glass, silver or rock crystal for guilds, city councils or noble families with eagles on their coats of arms, these seals make every letter a sight to behold. Two particular highlights are the seal belonging to Kaiser Franz Joseph I (lot 256, listed at 3,000 euros) and that used by Munich painter Franz von Stuck (lot 246, asking price 1,500 euros).

In the glass and ceramic chapter, a majestic art nouveau vase is certain to tempt many an enthusiast (lot number 376). Composed of earthenware fragments, the eye-catching piece was produced by the well-known Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory in Hungary. The company is famous for its sophisticated manufacturing methods, but also for its elaborate artistic execution. Like the vase that can now be acquired, the ceramics are finished with an "Eosin" glaze (named after the Greek Eos, goddess of the dawn), making every piece unique. For 8,000 euros, this artwork in red, green and violet would surely take pride of place in your collection.

The magnificent 19th/20th century kris comes from the famous holiday island of Bali (lot number 1068). The typically asymmetrical daggers from South East Asia are traditionally said to be imbued with enormous cultural and spiritual meaning. Moreover, they are included in UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The kris now on offer is the epitome of master craftsmanship: gleaming and glistening, its gold grip and profusion of semi-precious stones lend the blade an aura of pure extravagance. This unusually fabulous, breathtaking dagger is now open to bids from 12,500 euros.

Among the edged weapons, lot 1164 merits particular attention. Merely announcing the name "Viking" will be enough to see bidders waving their cards in the air. Forged in northern Europe, this sword is truly special. Featuring an inscription inlaid in iron and finely set strips of silver, it is now expected to change hands for 9,000 euros.

There's no need to venture to faraway lands, however, with plenty of opportunities to acquire desirable objects of German provenance on the same day. For example, a large, two-hand sword from Brunswick (lot number 1176) stands head and shoulders above the other Renaissance swords. The typical quillons has coiled ends and is angled generously toward the blade. Like the pommel, it is embellished on both sides with delicately incised floral ornaments, the source of its noble sheen. Bids from 8,000 euros are now invited for this fabulous weapon.

Hermann Historica is also offering the deluxe version of a pair of wheellock rifles, circa 1680 (lot number 2023). Acclaimed gunmaker Joseph Mayr of Innsbruck spared no expense whatsoever in embellishing this beauty with delicate engraving. For example, the locks are extravagantly decorated with brass appliqués, carved with life-like animals and grotesque masks, all of which are framed in leafy vines. The catalogue price of 15,000 euros includes the two patch boxes with sliding lids and various other accessories.

Among the numerous short hunting rifles coming under the hammer in the luxury segment the same day, lot number 2033 is bound to be well received. Bids from 14,000 euros are now welcome for this splendid flintlock carbine, dating from circa 1730. The master craftsman of this deluxe firearm is none other than Johann Adam Knod. One of the most talented gunmakers of the Carlsbad School, he supplied weapons to the aristocracy taking the waters at the Bohemian spa town. This elegant hunting carbine is embellished with lavishly decorated, fire-gilt furniture.

In the chapter of modern firearms, the announcement of lot number 2236 will see a forest of bidding cards shoot up. With its fascinating technology, the collectible Conroe Medusa Model 47 is sure to be one of the biggest draws. The remarkable revolver is capable of firing three different calibres. Moreover, it is the only handgun whose barrel has nine rifle grooves. Constructed of specially hardened steel, the cylinder and the barrel have double the tensile strength, even enabling it to shoot underwater. Manufactured by Phillips & Rodgers, this technical wonder is now expected to fetch 6,000 euros.

Lot number 2268 is certain to make not just collectors prick up their ears. This is a chance to acquire the extremely rare Volcanic lever action pocket pistol with a short barrel length of 3½". The focus of this weapon lies in the unusual combination of the bolt action with the lower lever and the toggle joint. In outstanding condition, the remarkable piece is sure to coax an enthusiast into investing 6,400 euros.

The minimum bid of 3,000 euros will secure lot number 2508, a G 41 as the model with the code "duv - 43". It is the precursor of the G 43, Germany's first semi-automatic, the self loading rifle G 41(W). The weapon with the exceptional side locking flaps was produced by the Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM). As it was never generally accepted, it is rarely found on the collector's market.

He was the last emperor of Austria, married to Zita of Bourbon-Parma and grandnephew of Franz Joseph I: Kaiser Karl I of Austria. During World War I, he engaged in a number of peace negotiations, alas, to no avail. Karl I was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II. On Tuesday 17 October, there will be an opportunity to acquire his personal attila in dark green cloth with silver cording, braided shoulder boards for a major general and a tailor's label of the Viennese court purveyor "Josef Szalley" in the right inside breast pocket. An enthusiast is sure to snap up this distinguished historical uniform, worn by the last regent of the Habsburg dynasty, for 24,500 euros (lot number 3135).

Next up is a handsome gift of honour, presented by the last Kaiser of Germany. Wilhelm II commissioned the deluxe hunting hanger as a token of his appreciation for an eminent member of his illustrious hunting party. The gilt hunting décor on the obverse of the dagger attests to the exquisite workmanship of the bladesmith (lot number 3290). The reverse is engraved with a dedication on a deep blue background amidst intricate leafy vines. The minimum bid of 35,000 euros will secure this superlative hunting hanger in excellent condition, complete with gold sword knot.

Lot 3343 is of no less historical significance. Buyers will be interested in a personal letter written by Friedrich Engels. Dated 12 November 1890, the missive is addressed to Adolf Riefer, the nephew of Helene Demuth, who served as housekeeper to Karl Marx and later also to Engels. In the four-page document, Engels informs Riefer of his aunt's death, indicating that she left a testament. The letter is now estimated at 25,000 euros.

Moreover, in this Autumn Auction, Hermann Historica is playing its trump card with another Bulgarian collection. Amassed over decades, the significant private collection comprises unusual headgear, uniforms and individual insignia, as well as literature and photographs spanning Bulgaria's entire military history. Of the 175 lots (lot numbers 3385 – 3559) some 90 rare orders alone are looking for new homes. Among them are several highest award grades, such as the Order of St. Alexander Grand Cross with Swords, known to have been conferred just twelve times. The opulent masterpiece in partially gilt silver has a starting price of 1,500 euros (lot number 3541).