One of the very first lots attracted a great deal of attention. Lot number 8036, an extremely rare fibula, ticked all the right boxes with its Etruscan inscription and unusual casing, and was in particularly high demand. It went on to eclipse its starting price (800 euros) of 3,200 euros*. 

Just four lots later, it was the turn of an antique "shock absorber" with the lot number 8040 as an exceptionally fine pair of Roman chariot suspensions came under the hammer. In fabulous condition, the almost perfectly preserved surface was sure to delight. The exquisite pieces coaxed a buyer into investing 3,200 euros*. 

Lot number 8133, a 20th century Chinese vial, attracted a veritable barrage of offers.  Carved in salmon-coloured coral, the miniature bottle captivated the audience with its figural and floral embellishment and detailed landscapes. In the blink of an eye, the price shot up to 3,000 euros*, its estimate of 500 euros notwithstanding.

There was also lively interest in a painting by Munich artist Hubert Kaplan, who won first prize in the 1981 competition of "Bavarian painters paint Bavaria". The idyllic scene shows a sunny autumn day on a hill above Tegernsee. In the foreground, two farmers are deep in conversation, surrounded by their herds of grazing cattle. The final price of the picture was 2,200 euros* (lot number 8248).

Lot number 9147, a Kingfisher kris, was bound to tempt all connoisseurs of Malaysian weapons. With a catalogue price of 1,500 euros, the fine, exceptionally opulent blade was snapped up by a collector for 2,800 euros after a brief volley of bids.

Next up, lot number 9220 proved spine-chilling. This was a chance to acquire a mask of shame, an instrument used for public humiliation, a punishment meted out during the 17th century. Offenders were sentenced to wear the mask for one or more days. Forged in one piece, the mask was worked with finely chased features, riveted ears, beard and tongue, mounted separately, and a clip with a bell attached on the forehead. Despite the disgrace it once brought the wearer, the mask fetched 1,400 euros*.

Meanwhile, a small group of five throwing knives and machetes from Central Africa, all with elaborately grooved blades and grips of carved wood, certainly appealed to buyers (lot number 9202). It now graces a new collection for 900 euros*.

The highlight among the medals was the "House Order of the Golden Lion – a breast star of the Grand Cross" (lot number 10107). The convex body of the eight-rayed, silver star had an appliquéd, gold medallion made of several pieces while the red enamelled ring was embellished with the order motto in silver around the edge. Moreover, the blue enamelled centre depicted a coloured heraldic lion. The order sold for twice its estimate, costing its new owner 4,800 euros*.

Some of the helmets also fetched remarkable final prices. One outstanding example was an M 1856 helmet for enlisted men of the Dragoons of the Garde Impériale. This unusual, distinguished helmet was worn by a unit of the horse guards of the imperial army under Napoleon III (lot number 10228). The precious piece changed hands for 3,000 euros*, exactly ten times its reserve of 300 euros.

Among the edged weapons, lot number 10501, a cuirassier's sword M 1742 for enlisted men, did not escape buyers' notice. Bids from 300 euros had been invited for the double-edged blade of biconvex cross-section; however, it took a collector's fancy and sold for 2,200 euros*. 

Dreyse's "compact" Reichsrevolver M 83 is a classic historical weapon. Therefore, the audience showed keen interest. In no time at all, bids for lot number 11401 had reached 1,600 euros, more than four times the guide price.