MUNICH.- Opening this year's Autumn Auction on 22 October 2020, the "International orders and collectibles from military history" segment once again presents an array of remarkable, extremely rare lots, along with objects sure to tempt aspiring collectors. Interested buyers are cordially invited to examine the pieces on offer, including 580 lots in this section alone, during the pre-sale viewing from 18 to 21 October in the rooms of our auction house in Grasbrunn, near.

This autumn, Hermann Historica will be passing on to new owners the Prussian Collection amassed by the well-known Berlin collector, Gerhard Drewko, who was born in 1914. With enormous expertise, patience and finesse, he continued the family tradition. His grandfather before him had close connections to the Prussian army and also collected artefacts from its great military history. They include such unusual, even unique, objects as a silver fanfare trumpet from the Regiment Garde du Corps, the highest ranking regiment of the Prussian cavalry of the guard, dated 1784 and offered for sale from 20,000 euros. Another piece that perfectly captures the status and splendour of the military is the standard of the Uhlan Regiment "Grand Duke Friedrich von Baden" (Rhenish) No. 7, circa 1900, which is estimated at 10,000 euros. Naturally, the catalogue would not be complete without the great Prussian Pour le Mérite order, here dating from 1864 – 1866 and opening at 10,000 euros, while splendid helmets, such as an M 1852 helmet for enlisted men and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Bavarian Hartschiere Life Guards, crowned with a lion and listed at 10,000 euros, round off the wide selection.




However, the consignments from other sources will not disappoint, like the gift presented to Fürst Otto von Bismarck in 1882 by the United German Telegraph Society. This was the year in which the society extended its transatlantic telecommunications network as the existing cables were no longer able to handle the increasing exchange of telegrams. In addition to seven cable cross-sections in nickel-silver, the gift lists all the intermediate stations of the whole connection. Bids from 15,000 euros are now invited for this significant piece of technical history.

The demand for personal mementos and royal possessions remains unabated, as shown only recently at our castle auction with the highly successful sale of the evening gown worn by Farah Diba. Our sales programme now includes the fine bodice of a black and white lace gown belonging to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, exceptionally lavish and delicately worked with a high neck and sequin trim, which is certain to coax an enthusiast into parting with 4,800 euros. A unique piece from the wardrobe of Kaiser Wilhelm II, his visor cap for officers of the dragoons, circa 1900, is listed in the catalogue at 2,500 euros, while his gold cigarette case, embossed with the crowned cipher "W", is expected to fetch 3,000 euros. Meanwhile, bids from 4,500 euros are welcome for a lot with a documented historical background: a silk vest worn by Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain (1768 – 1844), which was seized in the aftermath of the pivotal Battle of Vitoria.

Once again, the international military section also boasts an outstanding lineup, with a magnificent sabre that was presented to Major J. Poysat, Adjutant-Major de la 3e Légion de la Garde Nationale de Paris, to commemorate his departure in 1849. Having played a central role in suppressing the June Uprising of 1848, the major was awarded this truly imposing, sumptuous edged weapon, which may now be acquired for 4,900 euros. Next up, from Japan, is a parade sabre for a World War II general, fabulously wrought with its hilt of gilt, non-ferrous metal and tortoiseshell grip. As distinguished as it is rare, the sabre has a moderate limit of 1,900 euros. In beautiful condition, the uniform for a member of the "Guardia Nobile" reflects the special military splendour of the pontificate of Pius X (1903 - 1914). In a vivid shade of red, set off with gold epaulettes, belt, collar and cuffs, it is destined to grace a new collection for 3,000 euros.