They were ready and waiting – in the saleroom, on the telephone and the bidding platforms – for the countdown to lot 10001. The prize was a hunting yatagan, its grip resplendent from afar in red. However, the auctioneer had the last word, bringing down his gavel at 11,500 euros in response to a written bid. The magnificently embellished sabre had been estimated at 2,500 euros.

With antique weapons from India also proving very popular, the auction house achieved some impressive final prices. A number of rare treasures of the highest quality changed hands on this eventful day.

The exceptionally opulent ayda katti (lot number 10163) stood head and shoulders above the rest. The grip alone was fashioned in over 18-karat gold. Not surprisingly, the sensational sword brought a gleam to the eye of the numerous collectors, prompting some spirited bidding. Needless to say, Hermann Historica was also delighted to see the deluxe falchion achieve the best result of the day. The tour-de-force closed at a whopping 42,000 euros, positively dwarfing its limit of 8,000 euros.

Moreover, Hermann Historica scored an incredible over 14-fold increase with an Indian Moplah. As lot number 10170, the unusual sword, sporting a superb dragon-head grip in bronze, opened at a modest 1,800 euros. It now takes pride of place in a new collection for 26,000 euros.

A rare kamikaze steel helmet (lot 11055) dating from 1944/45 was one of the highlights of the day. Listed in the catalogue at 3,800 euros, the Japanese helmet was designed to protect the crew from enemy fire directly before carrying out their suicide mission. More than doubling its reserve, it found a new home for 7,800 euros.

The next group, also belonging to a kamikaze soldier, was announced as lot number 11138. It was the estate of a kamikaze pilot, who survived his mission to attack American and British ships in July 1945. Offers from 1,000 euros were welcome for the ensemble, comprising his flying cap, his aviator sunglasses and two small photographs of their owner, along with a silk banner dedicated to the soldier Kuchiro Tsujii. The collection was snapped up for 2,800 euros.

Valued at just 400 euros, Hermann Historica presented a comprehensive set of uniform and equipment issued to a Feldwebel in the medical corps during World War II (lot number 11078). It attracted enormous interest. Despite the numerous absentee bids, online buyers were not to be deterred. The vast collection was warmly received and duly sold for 1,800 euros.