MUNICH.- This year's Spring Auction at Hermann Historica oHG in Munich will open on 18 April with the usual wide range of high quality precious objects from all eras and originating from all over the world, including three complete collections. Until 29 April, over 6,200 collector's pieces, some of them unique, from all specialist areas represented by the auction house will come under the hammer – antiquities, arms and armour, works of art, hunting antiques, orders and collectibles from all fields of history and military history.

Antiquities
First up, with a starting price of 60,000 euros, is the exquisite highlight of the antiquities catalogue: a red-figure, Attic chalice krater by the Hector Painter, dating from the fourth decade of the 5th century B.C. Of characteristic shape, the elegant vessel is mounted on a curving base and furnished with two handles, while the front of the krater features an extremely unusual, vivid mythological scene depicting Telephus and Orestes. His right hand holding Achilles' spear over his shoulder and his sword drawn, Agamemnon hastens to wrest his son from Telephus' grasp. Crowned with a wreath, Apollo steps between the adversaries, stretching out his hand in a chastening gesture. To his right, Telephus sits naked on an altar consecrated to Apollo, holding Orestes in the crook of his left arm and drawing his sword with his right hand. In the background, Clytemnaestra, the wife of Agamemnon, observes the scene. This spectacular example of Attic vase painting would take pride of place in any collection. Equally worthy of note and in remarkable condition is a Greek bronze kalpis from the fourth century B.C., bearing a votive inscription. According to the engraved, chiselled inscription, the object is a votive offering to the Pythian Apollo following the battle of Kynos in 364 B.C. and boasts stamp marks, a particularly uncommon feature in antique bronze vessels. Bids are invited from 25,000 euros for this rare kalpis.

Once again, the usual diversity of the early bronze helmets and archaic swords will delight collectors, with some extraordinary rarities being liberally sprinkled throughout this section. The auction presents magnificent examples of the consummate workmanship of antique armourers and swordsmiths, from a Chalcidian bronze helmet from the fifth to fourth century B.C., whose provenance is documented in the world-famous Axel Guttmann Collection of Berlin, to a rare conical bronze helmet, which was forged in central Europe approximately 500 years earlier during the Late Bronze Age, right through to a prehistoric antenna sword from the golden age of the Urnfield culture in the tenth century. While the impressive Chalcidian helmet, valued at 20,000 euros, obviously belonged to a sporting adjudicator, as the remarkable, profane inscription reveals, the splendid conical helmet, opening at 10,000 euros, stands out by virtue of its spool-shaped knob and impeccable condition, and the antenna sword, with its reserve of 8,500 euros, is a beautifully preserved example of this very early sword type.

Bows and crossbows
With enormous zeal and equal expertise, the Nuremberg specialist and enthusiast Karl Zeilinger (1944 - 2014) – an archer par excellence – built up his unrivalled collection of bows, crossbows and superbly crafted archer's rings over several decades. Throughout his life, the globetrotter, for whom Korea became a second home, rendered outstanding services to the research and preservation of archery traditions, particularly Asian archery and bowmaking. Hermann Historica has now been granted the great honour of offering this unique collection of approximately 200 lots to collectors and museums around the world. Among them are sensational artefacts, like a legendary Scythian bow, here offered for auction from 9,000 euros complete with a fragment of a quiver, from the equestrian nomadic settlement areas of Eurasia of the third to fifth centuries B.C., and a highly distinguished late-Gothic crossbow with a horn prod, the tiller entirely covered in bone inlays, made circa 1500, which is listed at 20,000 euros. In addition to these inimitable objects, such are seldom or indeed never to be found on the art market, the special catalogue features bows from all over Asia and, naturally, a large number of Korean horn-based gakgung crossbows, whose flexibility and efficiency made them Karl Zeilinger's weapon of choice.

Works of art
Once again, the works of art in the Spring Auction comprise precious, exquisitely wrought wunderkammer objects, including a 1677 medal of honour, wrought in iron plated in gold, on behalf of Frederick William, the Great Elector of Brandenburg (1620 - 1688) – an exceedingly beautiful, rare cabinet piece of Prussian history, commemorating the Great Elector and his victories. Under his aegis and personal command, the Swedish army were finally driven out of Swedish Pomerania by the famous 'Great Sleigh Drive' in the winter of 1678/79 following successful campaigns lasting several years. Wrought with great workmanship during this period, this impressive piece is now open to bids from 8,000 euros. Also on offer is a work by the master watchmaker Johann Jacob Serner: a verge watch with a gilt winding work and a silver openwork housing with floral engraving, all neatly stowed in a silver outer case for safekeeping and fashioned with outstanding craftsmanship. Made in Lübeck circa 1710/20, surely any connoisseur of the fine art of watchmaking will want to add this masterpiece to his collection for 5,000 euros. Meanwhile, a wonderfully preserved edition of the "Topographia of Brunswick and Lüneburg" still in the original, parchment binding, created by Matthäus Merian in 1654, has a limit of 4,500 euros.

Arms and Armour
Elaborately crafted rarities, some of which are known to have been commissioned for aristocratic armouries, are sure to delight buyers in the arms and armour section. These include a splendid selection of crossbows, like the high-quality Renaissance crossbow from the Collection of the Royal House of Hanover, dating from the end of the 16th century, embellished with engraved bone inlays and a rich ornamentation of scrollwork, fruit festoons and mythical creatures, which is expected to fetch 12,000 euros. Next, in all its glory, is the no less superbly wrought stonebow, circa 1600, lavishly adorned with fine floral ornaments etched on all surfaces and inlaid in gold and bone, starting at 13,000 euros. Dating from the same period and likewise with profuse etchings and of noble provenance, the halberd of the Life Guard of Johann Georg, Duke of Saxony, inscribed with his motto and decorated with cartouches featuring a coat of arms, may be acquired for 5,000 euros.

Objects made of delicate materials like wood and leather rarely stand the test of time. The state of preservation of the hand pavise from the Free Imperial City of Schongau in Bavaria is thus all the more gratifying, considering it was made in the late 15th century; it is moderately estimated at 12,500 euros. Based on the shape of the body, namely perfectly rectangular with rounded corners, it may be classified as an extremely early specimen of its type; the later pavises had a much more oval design. Entirely covered in leather, the obverse of the pavise is painted with the large imperial eagle of the Holy Roman Empire in dominant black, carrying the red-ground coat of arms of Schongau on its breast. A highlight of the armour on offer is a German close helmet, which was produced circa 1600 and is particularly striking in the characteristic style of its design. Mounted on a two-lame collar with a turned and roped edge, the skull has been forged in one piece, is topped with a tall comb and boasts a two-piece, pivoted visor. The new owner will have to part with a minimum of 10,000 euros.

Asia, Orient and Africa
Once again this spring, the quality and diversity of the lots from Africa, the Ottoman Empire, India, Japan and China remain as compelling as ever. Moreover, matching an early Nepalese/Tibetan khora from the 15th/16th century, the 18th/19th century presentation scabbard is wrought with magnificent workmanship in fire-gilt bronze and embellished with finely etched tendrils, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism mounted in high relief on the front and lavishly set with gemstones. While the single-edged blade is characteristically curved and adorned with brass inlaid geometric ornaments, the iron grip still bears remnants of the (originally extensive) gold-inlaid floral decoration. The interesting sword, of both cultural and historical significance, is open to bids from 18,000 euros. Equally impressive is the wide range of elaborately crafted edged weapons, from a mid-20th century Saudi Arabian gold-mounted presentation saif, valued at 5,800 euros, to a magnificent 19th century gold-mounted kris from Bali, studded with ruby cabochons and complete with a matching scabbard of exquisite materials, starting at 8,000 euros for the set, right through to a Moroccan nimcha, of excellent quality and in impeccable condition, the ivory grip finely decorated with sheet-gold appliqués and stylised dragon head finials on the bars, which is offered for auction for 4,500 euros.

Military history and historical objects
The military history and historical objects catalogue unveils a captivating choice of significant edged weapons, including a presentation sword that was given to General Emanuele Pugliese (1874 - 1967) circa 1920 by the Jewish community of Italy in honour of his outstanding services. Having distinguished himself during the victorious battle of Vittorio-Veneto, General Pugliese was also awarded the Officer's Cross of the Military Order of Savoy. The sword is a composition of patriotic symbolism venerating Italy and military merits: the grip is styled as a woman, symbolising "La Italia", with the "Children of Italy" on the quillons, which is decorated with a band of laurel leaves. Made in Solingen, it is the only sword known to have been presented to a Jewish general: therefore, its rarity and significance are reflected in the starting price of 20,000 euros. In 1902, Prince Henry of Prussia (1862 - 1929) also received a sumptuous gift of an edged weapon to mark the occasion of his two-month long, diplomatic goodwill visit to the USA. With two-thirds of its Damascus blade gilt and delicately etched and its fire-gilt brass knuckle-bow hilt in lavish relief, the magnificent sabre was presented to Prince Henry by the German Patriotic Relief Association of Philadelphia. Likewise forged in Solingen but coming under the hammer for 22,500 euros, this sword is also embellished with numerous patriotic symbols, like the American eagle in an aureola engraved on the blade, a puma fighting a rattlesnake on the hilt and the portrait of George Washington as well as Libertas, the goddess of liberty, on the scabbard.

The rare helmets of German provenance hold some truly exceptional pieces in store, for example, an M 1832 helmet for officers of the Bavarian Cuirassiers. With its gilt lions in high relief and bearskin crest, it would be difficult to conceive a more worthy testimony to the dignity and status of the military than this imposing helmet. As this style was only worn for ten years during the reign of Ludwig I, this piece is an absolute rarity, thereby justifying the minimum bid of 12,500 euros. Collectors will also be interested in a prestigious Prussian M 1843 helmet, with a silver-plated, intricately engraved, crowned parade eagle, for which bids are invited from 5,000 euros. Furthermore, this auction will again see significant collectors' items from the courts of Europe's ruling houses being offered for sale. Ever sought-after, precious objects, as regards both materials and workmanship, from the personal possessions of King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845 - 1886) continue to enjoy great popularity. On offer here is the King's personal seal, a figurative representation of the saint he so revered, Joan of Arc, in armour with sword and shield, her hands folded in prayer, the figure crafted in gilt bronze with a carved ivory head. Standing 11.5 centimetres tall, the seal surface features a reversed "L" beneath the Bavarian royal crown and has a listed price of 6,500 euros. Also from the Bavarian royal court, dated 1878, is a life-sized bust of Prince Luitpold of Bavaria (1821 - 1912), the second youngest son, who assumed the administration of state affairs as Prince Regent after Ludwig II was declared mentally incompetent. The work by Professor Christoph Roth (1840 - 1907) is now tendered for sale from 6,000 euros.

Three elements of a writing set that stood for many years on the desk in the Viennese office of Professor Dr. Sigmund Freud, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, are expected to fetch at least 12,500 euros. The signed works by the renowned Austrian Art Nouveau sculptor Peter Tereszczuk (1875 - 1963) are made of bronze, with the characteristic patina, with ivory faces. The pen tray and inkwell, ink blotter and seal with engraved name inscription "Dr. S. Freud" will not merely fascinate buyers because they feature the artist's typical design attributes but also by virtue of the fact that their provenance is fully documented since they were last used in Vienna.

The auction also comprises a number of exceptionally rare edged weapons from Russia, like a sabre M 1827 for officers of the Russian cavalry, which was forged by the purveyor to the court, Schaaf and Sons of St. Petersburg, circa 1800, with a grooved, single-edged blade. With a limit of 20,000 euros, both sides of the blade have an etched depiction of a mounted hussar with the inscription "Vt Hussar", while the obverse bears the gold-inlaid inscription "For the Turkish campaign 1877-1878" and the Cyrillic owner's monogram "Ja.G", surmounted by a noble's coronet. No less rare is a small decorative dagger with gilt bronze mounting from the prestigious bladesmith workshops of Zlatoust, the work of master Pavel Obukhov (1820 - 1869), founder of the mass production of high-quality cast steel. Dated 1860 and estimated at 7,000 euros, this dagger will doubtless appeal to bidders due to the depiction of Judith holding the head of Holofernes on the solid gilt grip and the floral ornaments on the gilt scabbard. Also coming under the hammer is a striking, red-lacquered picture frame with gilt silver mounting from the workshop of Carl Fabergé in St. Petersburg. The silver frame bears the master's mark for A. Nevalainen on the front and contains a printed portrait of Tsar Nicholas II. Bidding starts at 1,000 euros for the exquisitely made piece.

Orders and Insignia
Stealing the show in the orders section are a number of outstanding decorations from Russia, including the group of Orders of St. Vladimir belonging to an officer in the Hanseatic Legion. Worked in gold, the large order cross in 4th class until 1816 will certainly be of particular interest, with the cross arms enamelled in black and translucent red. The distinguished Russian orders group from the time of the Napoleonic and Wars of Liberation may be acquired for 20,000 euros. The eight-rayed breast star of the 1st class of the same order has a reserve of 15,000 euros, while the beautiful early issue of the breast star to the Order of Alexander Nevsky produced by Eduard, with the obverse medallion enamelled in translucent red, white and green, is listed at 5,000 euros.

The demand for the Prussian decoration for military achievements, the Pour le Mérite order, has remained unabated for many years. It is our great pleasure to offer at the Spring Auction the complete estate of the orders and documents awarded to a divisional general and Pour le Mérite bearer during World War I – Generalmajor Wilhelm von Groddeck (1861 - 1937). The order cross of the legendary decoration for bravery, this version produced by Wagner and Friedländer of Berlin, was awarded in 1918 for his services as commander of the 208th Infantry Division; opening at 17,000 euros, it would grace even the most prestigious collection on account of its historical significance and flawless condition. Avid collectors are eagerly anticipating the auction of an order badge that has not been documented hitherto in specialist phaleristic literature. Gracefully wrought in gold with blue enamelled blossoms and laurel branches, the badge of honour for a court lady of Empress Carlota of Mexico (1840 - 1927) has previously only been verified as part of the Corbin collection in the 1980s; bids from 3,000 euros are welcome.

Fine antique and modern firearms
This spring sees another exclusive selection of antique firearms, for example an exceptionally fine wheellock puffer, valued at 28,000 euros, probably produced circa 1580 in Augsburg; the splendidly ornate walnut full stock is embellished with engraved and blackened bone. The profuse decoration of dainty flower tendrils with acanthus leaf borders and braided décor is exceptionally enchanting. By contrast, the wheellock rifle (Tschinke) from Cieszyn circa 1650, lavishly adorned with brass and green coloured bone inlays and chiselled brass furniture with floral engravings, is expected to fetch a minimum of 13,500 euros.

The pistol cases in the Spring Auction boast a sensational rarity and quality that are otherwise difficult to obtain on the market. Among the pièces de résistance in this section are a pair of deluxe percussion pistols made by the skilful hands of the renowned gunsmith J. C. A. Brun of Paris, circa 1840. The gold-inlaid signatures, exquisitely fine silver inlays engraved with graphic and floral ornaments, elaborate tendril decoration chiselled on the percussion locks and arrestingly beautiful, grained half stocks accentuate the significance of these superb examples of the gun maker's craft, in untouched condition, with a limit of 15,000 euros. Bids are also invited from 9,000 euros for another eminently high grade, unusual pair of pistols, likewise of exceptionally famous manufacture, namely a pair of percussion pistols made by Lebeda of Prague, circa 1850.