Military careers spanning several centuries and distinguished mementos from ruling houses in the 89th Auction of Hermann Historica GmbH

With the current auction, the catalogue system of the militaria section will be reorganized. Previously, a distinction was made between "International Militaria" and "German Contemporary History"; now the break is no longer thematic, but occurs with the year 1919. From now on, the objects will be assigned to the catalogues "International Orders & Military Collectibles" and "International Military History from 1919 onwards".

Large numbers of treasures from the personal possessions of crowned heads have long been offered in the auctions of Hermann Historica GmbH, where they attract widespread interest among museums and collectors. Objects from the intimate lives of the households of the Bavarian and Austrian court are particularly sought-after.

Throughout history, ostentatious helmets and uniforms have accentuated the significance and status of the military. They indicated the wearer's rank and his affiliation with a specific unit. Moreover, the frequently towering helmets were conceived to lend their wearer a particularly imposing appearance. The highly elaborate uniforms of the Hungarian hussars stand out in the military equipment section. Among them, the uniform made circa 1900 for an Austrian general of the cavalry in Hungarian gala adjustment is a veritable feast for the eyes and would grace any collection. The scarlet cloth of the attila is embellished with striking, gold cord lacing and embroidery, while the pelisse (a type of cloak) in a distinctive shade of white, trimmed with marten fur, is in immaculate condition. It comes with a shako for generals, covered in black cloth, finished with a gilt lanyard with its double-headed eagle and a green plume. This noteworthy ensemble is now expected to change hands for 11,000 euros.

Next up, the owner of this helmet, caparison and dispatch case dating from 1910 served as aide-de-camp to the Prince of Lippe. Like all the other items, the remarkably rare helmet – even marked with the wearer's name – bears the characteristic Lippe rose. Bids from 25,000 euros are now invited for these rare items from the military history of the Principality of Lippe, which only lasted for a few decades.

As in previous years, several extremely unusual orders and insignia from Russia will cause a stir, such as an 1870 Order of St. Stanislaus by the manufacturer Julius Keibel. Introduced in 1839, the piece for sale is a special badge that was strictly reserved for awards to order officials. Only the chancellor of the order, the masters of ceremonies, two heralds of the order and the order secretary were entitled to wear it. In fact, the return obligation of this order was rigidly enforced. Wrought in gold and enamelled, in mint condition, it has a catalogue price of 35,000 euros.

No less sensational is a complete group of awards belonging to Oberst Alexander Rech Edlen von Feleky, commander of Infantry Regiment No. 19 in the army of the Austrian Empire, here with a limit of 16,000 euros. Orders, associated documents and photographs dating from 1910 to 1916 provide insight into the unparalleled military career of one of the army's youngest regiment commanders. The group includes the Order of Leopold, a Knight's Cross in gilt bronze, the Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with war decoration, the silver neck cross enamelled in colour with a gold inscription, the Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with war decoration in coloured enamel and partially gilt silver, and the Bronze Military Merit Medal "Signum Laudis" with a portrait of Kaiser Franz Joseph in gilt bronze.