MUNICH, MAY 2022

The large-scale, online-only auction at Hermann Historica

"Lots from morning till night" is probably the maxim of this year's online-only sale from 20 to 24 June. Once again, the historical auction house Hermann Historica presents a number of rarities and showpieces in its lineup. Over the course of the week, 3,330 highly diverse objects are coming under the hammer in the five main categories.

Art and antiques

The online auction kicks off on Monday, 20 June, with 815 lots from the chapters of objets d'art, Asian art and antiques. 

As a rule, the name Tiffany & Co. conjures up an image of sparkling diamonds. However, today, not one but two remarkable works of art created by this renowned company are coming up for sale. Lot number 7277 reveals a pair of exquisitely embellished silver ladles with sweeping, curved handles. Complete with the original storage case, they are estimated at 350 euros. Also made by the legendary New York jeweller, lot number 7278, a magnificent, four-piece tea service, is a genuine highlight. With a pattern of delicately raised foliage and floral ornaments, the silver service is expected to fetch 2,000 euros. 

A cheerful vase, decorated with bouquets of gaily coloured flowers, is a veritable eye-catcher among the diverse range of 70 artworks in glass and ceramic. Bids from 400 euros are invited for the unusual vase with a handle in the shape of a serpent, produced by the Saxon porcelain manufactory C. (lot number 7304). 

As a rule, the name Tiffany & Co. conjures up an image of sparkling diamonds. However, today, not one but two remarkable works of art created by this renowned company are coming up for sale. Lot number 7277 reveals a pair of exquisitely embellished silver ladles with sweeping, curved handles. Complete with the original storage case, they are estimated at 350 euros. 

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Also made by the legendary New York jeweller, lot number 7278, a magnificent, four-piece tea service, is a genuine highlight. With a pattern of delicately raised foliage and floral ornaments, the silver service is expected to fetch 2,000 euros. 

Meanwhile, around 50 rare locks and keys are just waiting to be snapped up. Special mention must be made of lot number 7474, a fabulously decorated door lock, dating from circa 1720 and open to offers from 350 euros. A bid of 500 euros will secure the set of five 16th and 17th century iron hollow shank keys (lot number 7499).

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Among the works of Asian art, an impressive 12th or 13th century vase from China is a sight to behold (lot number 7621). Originating in the Southern Song dynasty, the objet d'art has a limit of 800 euros.

The intricately decorated famille rose teapot (lot number 7642) is also from China. The individual cartouches contain exceptionally delicately painted figurative tableaux and butterflies with rose petals. In excellent condition, this teapot from the late Qing dynasty can now be acquired for 1,200 euros.

Last in the day – but by no means least – almost 100 lots with antiques are to come under the hammer. A bronze female figure with the lot number 7772 has a starting price of 800 euros. Dating from the 2nd or 3rd century, the caryatid was once used instead of a column or as the pillar of a portal. Today, the Roman sculpture is a dream come true for any art lover.

Lot number 7776 is a formidable testimony to Provincial Roman material culture. The intact urn also dates from the Roman Empire and features several awe-inspiring apotropaic faces. Its new owner will have to part with a minimum of 400 euros.

Next up, lot number 7795 is an extremely rare find. Collectors will be interested in a set of Sasanian belt fittings from the late 6th to the early 7th century. The guide price of 3,000 euros will secure the 13 belt appliqués worn by a dignitary.

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Antique arms and armour from all over the world

Antique arms and armour take centre stage on Tuesday, 21 June. Heading the parade of 322 lots, lot 8037 is sure to cause a flurry of excitement. This late 19th century silver-mounted shashka was forged in the Caucasian region. With a fabulous grip of walrus ivory as the final flourish, the sword will soon grace a new collection for 1,200 euros. 

Lot number 8123, which comes from Japan, is bound to be well received. The remarkable naginata with a black-lacquered saya is destined to change hands for 1,600 euros. 

Also exceptionally imposing is the hussar's sabre, made in Poland or Hungary during the second half of the 17th century. The slightly curved blade boasts two sickle marks and crosses. Complete with a black leather scabbard, lot number 8280 is valued at 2,200 euros.

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Five centuries of antique and modern firearms

On Wednesday, 22 June, it is curtains up for the hotly anticipated firearm day with almost 900 lots. And this auction is in a class of its own! The list of highlights seems never-ending. The scores of basic weapons are certain to tempt not just the newcomers in the audience, while seasoned bidders will be unable to resist filling any gaps in their collections. 

Beginning with the civil firearms, an unusual handgonne immediately attracts attention. The gothic weapon is a historicism era replica, forged in iron in the style of circa 1500. Bids from 800 euros are welcome for this handgonne, truly one of a kind with its elegant dark patina. 

Not one but two beautiful models stand out among the flintlock pistols. Lot number 9096 refers to a French version circa 1740, boasting an exquisitely carved, ornamental full stock and magnificent brass furniture. This delicate piece by Daniel Thiermay would coax any enthusiast into investing 1,600 euros. On the other hand, lot number 9098 is a special edition by none other than the legendary gunsmith Franz Breitenfelder. Its dark marbled grain accentuates the beauty of the ornate silver furniture. Made during the first half of the 18th century, this long pistol now has a reserve of 3,500 euros. 

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Even a cursory glance at the modern firearms section shows a wealth of rare models. One piece of note this season is the unusual "Le Protector" radial revolver. Produced circa 1895, the small hand gun, lot number 9578, has a catalogue price of 750 euros.

Moreover, lot 9755 would take pride of place in any collection. Connoisseurs will want to snap up a carbine 98 k bearing the code "bnz 43". The single rune on the receiver head alone would make this long gun a phenomenal find. However, the virtually immaculate condition of this highly desirable piece from a limited series makes it a must-have for every serious collector. Bidding starts at 1,000 euros.

Among the firearms after 1945, lot 9807 is worthy of special mention. The sought-after semi-auto PSP pistol by Heckler & Koch is expected to fetch 1,500 euros. From the P7 pre-production series, this model is in near mint condition. 

Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918

On Thursday, 23 June, Hermann Historica will be taking its audience on a trip through the world of German and international military collectibles. Starting at 10 am, over 340 lots are coming under the hammer until noon.

Collectors of edged weapons will be particularly delighted by lot 10088. The early, well preserved officer's sabre is estimated at 3,000 euros. Its gilt blade is exquisitely etched with ornamental trophies, Turks' heads and swords. Dating from circa 1790, the weapon was designed for officers of the light cavalry.

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Truly one of a kind, lot 10145 boasts a noble provenance to boot, namely Austria's imperial house. Bids from 5,000 euros are now invited for a magnificent coffee service, made by the celebrated Meissen porcelain factory. From the "Red Court Dragon" series, it remained the exclusive preserve of the Saxon court until 1918. According to tradition, this rare service was presented to heir presumptive Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria Hungary – who was subsequently assassinated in 1914 – on his engagement. 

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Moreover, there will be a chance to acquire a number of pieces from the fabulous tableware used by the Prussian ruling family of Wilhelm II. A dessert knife and fork from the Kaiser's silver rococo dinner service (lot number 10253) deserve a special mention. The gilt cutlery is engraved with his initials and the date 1890. It will soon ennoble a new collection for 1,300 euros. An extremely distinguished, solid silver plate from the imperial service, lot number 10258, has a reserve of 2,200 euros. Next up, lot 10262 consists of six pieces from the dining service of the imperial yacht, Hohenzollern. The Kaiser's large serving platter is listed at 1,000 euros.

Also from the Prussian ruling house, the highlight with lot number 10271 will not disappoint. Weighing an impressive 11.5 kg and rendered with astonishing detail, the incomparable wall eagle from circa 1900 certainly commands attention. This unique piece is destined to entice bids of at least 4,000 euros. 

Orders and Military Collectibles from 1919 onwards

On Friday, 24 June, 984 lots from the chapter of "Orders and Military Collectibles from 1919" are coming up for sale. This much we can already divulge: the spotlight of the final auction day will be on technology.

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Particularly noteworthy is lot number 11234, a cipher machine of NeMa type, which stands for "new machine". It was the successor to the 1938 Enigma-K model, designed for the Swiss army. In total, 640 of these machines were produced by Zellweger Uster AG. This device will doubtless coax an enthusiast into investing 3,500 euros.

From mid-morning, the auction will be revisiting 1940s radio technology, when an outstanding, extensive collection of communication equipment and accessories is coming under the hammer, along with measuring instruments used by the army, navy and air force. Overall, just under 300 lots are being sold, ranging from truly spectacular large appliances right down to small radios. The groundbreaking technology behind each and every object cannot fail to impress – and not just tech-savvy enthusiasts, either.

Furthermore, lot 11260 is one of the innumerable highlights of this collection. The stationary 800-watt long-wave transmitter "Ehrenmal" for U-Boats would take pride of place in any museum. Tipping the scales at a whopping 300 kg, the transmitter is now open to bids from just 400 euros.

Buyers will also be interested in lot number 11270, a test panel 10 of the LN 8161 model. Mainly used to check the FuG 10 radio transceiver, only a limited number of the PT 10 were ever made. Therefore, it is sure to be snapped up for its asking price of 1,500 euros. 

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Lot 11282 should not remain unmentioned. Back in the day, the identification friend or foe system was revolutionary. It is now expected to change hands for 600 euros.

When produced, the FuG 203 remote guidance system, code name "Kehl", for the Henschel 293 glide bomb was absolutely innovative and way ahead of its time. Collectors should thus make a note of lot number 11313. The precursor of modern anti-ship missiles, the 18-channel transmitter was deployed in carrier aircraft. Its new owner will have to part with 400 euros.

The whole online auction is taking place from 20 to 24 June. In the meantime, it is well worth browsing through our free online catalogues. Go to www.hermann-historica.de for all relevant links and further information. 

You are cordially invited to inspect all objects in person at the offices of Hermann Historica in Grasbrunn, near Munich. The pre-sale viewing will take place from Wednesday, 15 June to Saturday, 18 June, between 11 am and 5 pm each day. As usual, the Hermann Historica experts will be on hand to advise customers.

Please note: all prices quoted are net prices and do not include the 25% premium (and VAT).

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