Connoisseurs were captivated by the superb decorations and awards on offer. The Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Max Joseph belonging to Otto Karl Konrad Freiherr von Pechmann (1874 - 1959) did not disappoint with its sparkling gold and white enamel on a movable crown (lot number 131). No wonder, therefore, that the new owner had to part with 19,000 euros, the estimate of 12,000 euros notwithstanding.

Two medals for bravery and a Signum Laudis medal (lot number 66) proved even more successful. In no time at all, the price jumped to a sensational 9,500 euros – more than thirty times the asking price of 300 euros – making the lot the biggest surprise of the day.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) also briefly graced Hermann Historica with his presence as a remarkable seal from the desk of the poet laureate (lot number 730) was announced. The heavy bronze seal, originally belonging to Goethe, was presented to passionate collector Prince Adalbert of Bavaria by Carl Friedrich, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Accompanied by the original provenance card, this extraordinary historical artefact coaxed its new owner into investing 23,000 euros, almost five times the reserve.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881 - 1938), officer of the Ottoman-Turkish army, revolutionary statesman, writer and the first president of Turkey is regarded as the founder of the Turkish Republic. Therefore, a letter (lot number 356) addressed to Oscar R. Benavides, dated 05.12.1934, congratulating him on his appointment as President of the Republic of Peru, was much sought-after. Bearing his original signature in black ink along with that of Tevfik Rüştü Aras, foreign minister at that time, the document is a rarity of the highest order. The limit of 10,000 euros soon fell by the wayside and the letter ultimately changed hands for a gratifying 42,000 euros.

Next up, a significant death mask and two hand prints belonging to Josef Stalin (lot number 350) sent a ripple of excitement through the audience. A total of just twelve such ensembles are said to have been made. Despite opening at 7,000 euros, an avalanche of bids swiftly raised the price to 20,000 euros.

Nonetheless, the absolute pièce de résistance was a collection of fine silver icons from Russia. Without a doubt, the highlight was the spectacular cloisonné-enamel icon triptych (lot number 4907). Created in 1897 by prestigious Moscow artist Pavel Ovchinnikov, it represents Christ Pantocrator in meticulous detail. Originating from a private collection, this extraordinary work soon exceeded the guide price of 12,000 euros. Following a heated bidding skirmish, the hammer ultimately fell at 70,000 euros for this perfect grail.

Another showpiece of the Russian collection was a second significant icon showing Saint Nicholas of Myra with a silver oklad. The work was produced by Kuzma Konow in Moscow between 1908 and 1917. With bids invited from 8,000 euros, lot 4938 duly sold for 26,000 euros, more than triple this sum, in the blink of an eye.

The Russian art section also featured an Imperial presentation kovsh (lot 4792). The exquisite piece was bestowed upon the burgomaster of Kholmogory in 1705 in recognition of his faithful service. With potential buyers battling it out on two bidding platforms, the catalogue price of 12,000 euros more than doubled, sending the final price soaring to 26,000 euros.

A noteworthy, late 17th century brooch or "heftel" from Transylvania (lot number 4496) dominated the silver chapter. This fabulous, partially silver-gilt brooch from the Transylvanian Saxons certainly held buyers in thrall with its design. An openwork medallion at the centre, depicting the Lamb of God with fine engraving and enamelled elements, the brooch was lavishly set with turquoises, rock crystal and gemstones. Originally used as a clasp for a cloak, it came to be worn as a brooch on festive national costume in the 18th century. Open to bids from 2,500 euros, the heftel now takes pride of place in a new collection for 13,000 euros.

For fans of glass art, the late medieval glass collection amassed by a private owner was the climax of the day. Around exquisitely made 40 goblets, including delicate Nuppenbecher (drop beakers), distinctive Krautstrunk (prunted beakers) and graceful, Venetian-style winged glasses testify to the workmanship of the time. Listed at 300 euros, a small, particularly well preserved Krautstrunk (lot 4534) attracted a great deal of attention. Despite being hotly contested among bidders on the telephone and online, the prunted beaker was eventually snapped up by a buyer in the room for 6,600 euros. The other glasses also realised some excellent prices.

Standing head and shoulders above the rest was a magnificent suit of armour for a Polish or Lithuanian Winged Hussar from the second half of the 17th century. The audience paid homage to lot number 5360, admiring the splendidly ornate lobster-tailed burgonet with its two-part skull, the lavishly embellished cuirass and delicately worked details like the nasal and attached cheek pieces. Rapidly fetching an impressive 32,000 euros, it doubled its starting price of 16,000 euros.

Meanwhile, a hussar's sabre from Poland also came under the hammer as lot number 5515. This rare sword, forged circa 1500, entered the race with a guide price of 2,000 euros. Even seasoned observers were taken aback by the enormous demand. The battle royal between buyers in the room, online and on the telephones effectively drove the price further and further up until the hammer finally fell at 13,000 euros.

The next highlight was announced as lot number 5510, a formidable Polish sabre. The fine quillons in engraved, gilt silver and the turquoise-coloured carbuncle stones on the pommel cap and scabbard made the weapon a true masterpiece. Although offers from 9,000 euros were welcome, the unparalleled historical piece sold for no less than 13,000 euros.

Lot number 7611 was an incomparable triumph of the gunsmith's art: a Korriphila model HSP 701 in the rare, full Damascus design with a 5-inch sport barrel. Produced by Intertex Maschinenbau GmbH, this exceptional pistol is a unique piece that combines the highest precision with fine workmanship, from the ray skin grip scales to the flawless bluing. This exemplary, handmade weapon came in an elegant leather case lined in green felt and including the original documents. The outstanding pistol went on to change hands for an unbelievable 62,000 euros, eclipsing its reserve of 19,000 euros.

The Walther WA 2000 sniper rifle (lot number 7321) with a Zeiss scope was another exceedingly rare find – considered to be probably the best sniper rifle in the world. The weapon was even more exclusive, given its almost mint condition and the fact that it was the last but one to be produced. This gun had been valued at 12,000 euros. However, after a torrent of bids, it took a connoisseur's fancy for 23,000 euros.

Meanwhile, the star of the second day was the sled mount 08 (lot number 9835) for machine gun MG 08, which was produced by Dürkopp in 1917. In its complete, absolutely functional condition, the sled mount was a rarity of the first order in museum quality, a highlight of any German WWI collection. Its original condition meant it was able to command its price, finally closing at 14,000 euros.

Even an object with a supposedly modest reserve can turn out to be huge. And thus the Wz 29 short rifle from Radom (lot number 9245) took all weapons experts by surprise. Its untouched, good-quality bluing and beech stock with its mounted butt won legions of fans. The short rifle now graces a new collection for 5,400 euros, dwarfing its original limit of 500 euros.