MUNICH.- With the current auction, the catalogue system of the militaria section will be reorganized. Previously, a distinction was made between "International Militaria" and "German Contemporary History"; now the break is no longer thematic, but occurs with the year 1919. From now on, the objects will be assigned to the catalogues "International Orders & Military Collectibles" and "International Military History from 1919 onwards".
Large numbers of treasures from the personal possessions of crowned heads have long been offered in the auctions of
Hermann Historica GmbH, where they attract widespread interest among museums and collectors. Objects from the intimate lives of the households of the Bavarian and Austrian court are particularly sought-after.
Once again, this year's lineup will not disappoint. Buyers can look forward to fabulous garments, such as an exceptionally elegant salon gown in cream-coloured silk and matching lace that was once worn by Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Admired for her elegance, culture and slim figure, famously the result of her iron will, the gown was designed by the Munich seamstress Marie Braun to underline these very attributes. Made circa 1870/80, this matchless gown will delight a new owner for 4,500 euros. Dating from the same period, the catalogue also includes a stamped dressing table from her private chambers in Gödöllö castle with undeniably elegant lines, which may be acquired for 7,500 euros.
Ludwig II of Bavaria, the cousin and devoted supporter of Empress Sisi, was well-known for his opulent, highly exclusive gifts, which he generously bestowed on his close circle and loyal followers. One outstanding example is the pair of ivory opera glasses with gilt brass mounts, a Christmas present to his aide-de-camp Karl Theodor von Sauer in 1864, for which offers of at least 2,000 euros are welcome. Opening at 2,500 euros is a portrait photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II, bearing a dedication in his own hand, complete with its ornate, fire-gilt frame.
Throughout history, ostentatious helmets and uniforms have accentuated the significance and status of the military. They indicated the wearer's rank and his affiliation with a specific unit. Moreover, the frequently towering helmets were conceived to lend their wearer a particularly imposing appearance. The highly elaborate uniforms of the Hungarian hussars stand out in the military equipment section. Among them, the uniform made circa 1900 for an Austrian general of the cavalry in Hungarian gala adjustment is a veritable feast for the eyes and would grace any collection. The scarlet cloth of the attila is embellished with striking, gold cord lacing and embroidery, while the pelisse (a type of cloak) in a distinctive shade of white, trimmed with marten fur, is in immaculate condition. It comes with a shako for generals, covered in black cloth, finished with a gilt lanyard with its double-headed eagle and a green plume. This noteworthy ensemble is now expected to change hands for 11,000 euros. Next up, the owner of this helmet, caparison and dispatch case dating from 1910 served as aide-de-camp to the Prince of Lippe. Like all the other items, the remarkably rare helmet – even marked with the wearer's name – bears the characteristic Lippe rose. Bids from 25,000 euros are now invited for these rare items from the military history of the Principality of Lippe, which only lasted for a few decades.
As in previous years, several extremely unusual orders and insignia from Russia will cause a stir, such as an 1870 Order of St. Stanislaus by the manufacturer Julius Keibel. Introduced in 1839, the piece for sale is a special badge that was strictly reserved for awards to order officials. Only the chancellor of the order, the masters of ceremonies, two heralds of the order and the order secretary were entitled to wear it. In fact, the return obligation of this order was rigidly enforced. Wrought in gold and enamelled, in mint condition, it has a catalogue price of 35,000 euros.
No less sensational is a complete group of awards belonging to Oberst Alexander Rech Edlen von Feleky, commander of Infantry Regiment No. 19 in the army of the Austrian Empire, here with a limit of 16,000 euros. Orders, associated documents and photographs dating from 1910 to 1916 provide insight into the unparalleled military career of one of the army's youngest regiment commanders. The group includes the Order of Leopold, a Knight's Cross in gilt bronze, the Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with war decoration, the silver neck cross enamelled in colour with a gold inscription, the Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with war decoration in coloured enamel and partially gilt silver, and the Bronze Military Merit Medal "Signum Laudis" with a portrait of Kaiser Franz Joseph in gilt bronze.
The 89th Auction of Hermann Historica GmbH presents an extensive lineup of 3303 collectibles from the specialist areas represented by the auction house, from antiquities to medieval armour and weapons, works of art and craftsmanship, Asian artworks and artefacts from military history, exquisite heirlooms from ruling houses, right through to antique firearms, all coming under the hammer from 26 to 28 May and on 1 and 2 June in Grasbrunn near Munich. All objects will be on display during the pre-sale viewing from 19 to 22 May and on 29 and 31 May.
