Superior gunmaker's craftsmanship in the 89th Auction of Hermann Historica GmbH

The catalogue "Five centuries of antique and modern firearms" offers a representative overview that traces the entire evolution of the fine art of gunmaking, with exceptionally rare pieces that collectors may otherwise only dream of. However, the creators of these sophisticated devices were not merely guided by their quest for technical perfection, but also by the principles of usability and aesthetics. With the live auction, all firearms are combined in this catalogue for the first time. Oriental, Asian and Indo-Pacific firearms, which were previously listed under 'Old Weapons', will from now on be listed here.

Once again, the modern arms section holds a variety of showstoppers in store, ranging from rare to one-of-a-kind and seldom, if ever, found on the market. One spectacular piece, of supreme importance in the history of weapons development, is a Schönberger-Laumann Mod. 1894-II, the world's first semi-automatic pistol. This very pistol is described in detail and illustrated in the standard reference work "The Origins of the Automatic Pistol" by Joschi Schuy. Just six specimens of this rarity are known to exist around the world. As an undisputed pièce de résistance, this is reflected in its asking price of 18,000 euros.

Not a great deal more common is the fully automatic Haenel “machine carbine” MKb 42(H), calibre 7.92×33mm Short, serial number 9492, which is valued at 15,000 euros. Developed after 1938 by Hugo Schmeisser, Haenel's head designer, a series of just 12,000 of this revolutionary weapon was produced as a collaborative effort with Merz in Frankfurt, which specialised in stamped sheet metal parts. Nonetheless, the machine carbine never made it beyond field trials and was discontinued in favour of the previously developed MP 43/44 and K 43. Interested parties are advised to strictly observe their national weapons laws with regard to fully automatic rifles.

Lot 2469 is certainly worthy of note: probably the only copy ever made of a little-known weapon, the semi-automatic Mauser pistol Model 27 with the serial number 1 in 6.35 mm calibre Browning. The pistol was submitted to the Mauser factories in 1970. The company director at the time, Herr Vorgrimmler, has confirmed the authenticity of this incomparable piece and provided background information. This will be passed on to the buyer of the weapon, which is open to bids from 15,000 euros.

In 1883, the Königlich-Preußische Gewehrfabrik in Erfurt developed the successor of the archaic, overly heavy Reichsrevolver M 79. The piece now offered for sale, which bears no markings or inscriptions of any kind, was presented to the War Ministry as Model 1883. It is destined to take pride of place in a new collection for 4,900 euros.