MUNICH.- The 75th auction of Hermann Historica GmbH in Munich will take place from 6 to 17 November with the usual wide range of high quality, precious objects from numerous eras and originating from all over the world, including three special collections. Approximately 6,800 collector's items, some without equal, from all specialist areas represented by the auction house – antiquities, arms and armour, works of art, hunting antiques, orders and collectibles from all fields of history and military history – are to come under the hammer.

Antiquities
First up, with a starting price of 60,000 euros, is a spectacular example of Attic vase painting and 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 highly 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, extending 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. Bids are also invited from 12,000 euros for a magnificent and perfectly preserved Kylia idol from the prehistoric period. Standing just 13 centimetres high, featuring the characteristic shortened arms, bent at an angle, and slightly raised head, the highly stylised female figure was carved in marble during the second half of the third millennium B.C. in Anatolia. The typical pose earned idols of this kind the epithet of "Stargazer".

Once again, the early bronze helmets and archaic swords will fire bidders' enthusiasm, with this section holding some extraordinary rarities in store. Among them is a late Illyrian bronze helmet embellished with a chased border of dots along the cheek pieces and face opening, which was forged in one piece during the fifth to the early fourth century B.C. The limit of 14,500 euros reflects both the impressive condition and the documented provenance of the helmet. Documented during the 1930s as one of a collection of antique helmets donated by a Greek newspaper for presentation to the future Olympic champions, the helmet came into the possession of the German diplomat, Walter Hess (1900 - 1986) in 1937. Mr Hess, who took his leave in response to the racist policies of National Socialism in 1938, acquired a whole group of the helmets; they had not, in fact, been awarded owing to the Olympic regulations, which did not permit additional prizes. Since then, they had remained in the family estate until recently. Outstanding examples of the consummate workmanship of antique armourers and swordsmiths include a blade of considerable academic interest from the Black Sea region, offered for auction from 5,000 euros. Although the design of the sword – from the third century A.D. – clearly points to the area of the Black Sea, the ornamentation includes reversed 'running dogs' encircling the heart-shaped leaf motifs and is undoubtedly based on the contemporary Roman archetypes.

Jades
For thousands of years, the passion for jades has been a distinctive symbol of Chinese civilisation. With abundant, readily accessible excavation sites, the country has long been the centre of the jade culture; the oldest testaments to the high appreciation for the gemstone, which is exceptionally difficult to work with, go back some 8,000 years. The cult that developed around the stone took on such significance that Chinese historians soon included a separate jade era in their calendar. "Gold is valuable, but jade is priceless", says a Chinese proverb, thereby emphasising the high ideological importance of the minerals, quite apart from the purely material worth. Published in 120 A.D., the first Chinese dictionary, Shuowen Jiezi underlines the distinctive quality of jade, attributing to it the virtues of benevolence, honesty, wisdom, integrity and bravery. Hermann Historica is now offering a special catalogue of some 150 superb, intricately carved, miniature artworks, dating from the New Stone Age through to the late Qing dynasty in the 19th century, in its anniversary auction "Jade, weighted by aeons of Chinese culture". The selection includes a number of exquisite pieces, like the naturalistically modelled, vivid depiction of two oxen from the Tang dynasty, 618 to 907 A.D., measuring an impressive 26.5 cm wide and 14.4 cm high. This formidable piece is expected to fetch a minimum of 50,000 euros. Dating from the same epoch and with a diameter of 11.1 centimetres, an elaborately carved jade disc featuring dragons and a phoenix, also referred to as a bi disc, has a reserve of 25,000 euros, while a ceremonial jade ruyi sceptre, a talisman from the middle of the Qing dynasty, is open to bids from 20,000 euros.

Works of art
Once again, the works of art in the Autumn Auction comprise precious, exquisitely wrought wunderkammer objects, like the decorative ivory ewer, as exquisite as it is striking, with its impressive height of 43.5 centimetres, which was carved in Erbach in 1910. The base is embellished with gadrooned decoration and bead and reel ornaments, while the body features a multi-figured, antique scene in high relief. According to the attached expert report, this incomparable piece was created by the supremely skilful carver Otto Glenz (1863 - 1948) and may be acquired from 12,000 euros. Moreover, a delicate, painstakingly crafted casket is made of the same material and measures 14 x 17 x 9.5 cm. Fastened with fittings in fire-gilt brass and boasting a secret, locked compartment on the inside, the bijou dates from the Spanish/Portuguese colonial period in the 17th century and is offered for sale from 1,500 euros. Considerably weightier and with a limit of 12,000 euros, a significant iron receptacle from Nuremberg or Augsburg, circa 1600, is certain to be well received thanks to its immaculate condition, beautiful décor and sophisticated locking system. Equally worthy of note is a pair of Meißen busts representing Prince Louis-Charles de Bourbon and Princess Marie-Zéphire de Bourbon, circa 1753, opening at 12,000 euros, and an extremely rare silver screw medal with interchangeable pictures in traditional costume in the style of a dress-up doll, Augsburg circa 1730/40, for the catalogue price of 1,400 euros.

Arms and Armour
The arms and armour section unveils a captivating array of elaborately worked, fully documented rarities, all in impeccable condition. Particularly awe-inspiring is an early officer's suit of armour, which was forged in 1540 in Nuremberg, one of the German centres of the armourers' craft. Comprising a burgonet of the Hungarian type, forged in one piece and tapering to a point, full arm defences, roped flanges on the breast, back and gorget, as well as articulated gauntlets, the suit of armour is an exceptionally homogenous example and may be acquired from 22,000 euros. Among the other masterpieces sure to fascinate buyers, two close helmets, produced circa 1570, are particularly impressive due to the characteristic style of their design. Mounted on collars with turned and roped edges, the skulls of both helmets have been forged in one piece, are topped with tall combs and boast two-piece, pivoted visors. Interested parties will have to part with 12,000 euros apiece for these splendid helmets, both in untouched original condition.

Furthermore, the range of edged weapons, some known to have formed part of prestigious collections for many years, leaves nothing to be desired in respect of their high quality. Forged circa 1420 in Passau, an extremely rare Gothic battle sword with a disc pommel, a medieval hand-and-a-half sword, is stamped with the Passau wolf mark inlaid in brass at the root of the blade, below which is a six pointed star on each side. The weapon is expected to fetch 15,000 euros. Also originating in Passau is an absolute rarity, a knightly sword, its blade still blank, from the second half of the 14th century. Only very few arsenal-maintained weapons such as this are still preserved; most swords are usually archaeological or underwater finds with corresponding deterioration of the surfaces. Open to bids from 20,000 euros, the price of this piece reflects its rarity and condition. Coming under the hammer for 12,000 euros, measuring some 1.78 metres and with such illustrious provenances as the Viktor Monetti Collection and the Karsten Klingbeil Collection, the double-edged, fullered blade, large pear-shaped pommel and blackened iron hilt lend a mighty two-hand sword from Bern in Switzerland, circa 1550/60, an imposing elegance. In addition, a decorative Italian deluxe dagger, probably Ferrara circa 1500/1510, will undoubtedly fire bidders' enthusiasm from 12,000 euros. In the style of a cinquedea with a broad blade tapering to a point, its three fullers adorned with decorative, partially gilt tendrils and fire gilding on its pommel and quillons, its owner would be proud to bear the distinguished weapon. Moreover, offers of at least 12,000 euros are welcome for an exceedingly sumptuous, 19th century, silver-mounted set, studded with pearls, almandines and emeralds, belonging to a Hungarian magnate, consisting of a sabre, sabre hangers, riband buckle, belt and 42 decorative knobs, together with a silver-mounted magnate sabre from the same period.

Polish History Museum, Muri
The artist, designer, philosopher and fervent patriot, Zygmunt Stankiewicz (1914 – 2010) promoted the interests of his Polish homeland throughout his life. After fighting against the German invaders in Poland as a young man, he subsequently continued his campaign on French soil. In 1942, he was permitted to remain in Switzerland, along with 13,000 compatriots. However, he invariably maintained close ties to his home country of Poland. Over the following decades, with enormous zeal and no less expertise, he accumulated a collection dedicated to Poland's turbulent history, spanning the Middle Ages right through to contemporary history, for which he specifically founded the Polish History Museum in 1955 on his wife's family estate of Castle Muri, near Bern. The exhibition included numerous weapons and pieces of armour dating from Poland's eventful history from the 16th to the 19th centuries, incorporating the military history of World Wars I and II, and placing particular emphasis on Poland's campaign of resistance in exile. Comprising some 177 lots, this unrivalled collection is now being offered for sale in its entirety in the 75th auction with a dazzling array of exquisite pieces, like a 17th century Hussar cuirass or an Ottoman silver-mounted karabela, set with rubies and emeralds, from the same period. With a reserve of 28,000 euros, the armour is composed of a helmet skull forged in two pieces, a gorget, two pauldrons, the matching breastplate and backplate, all sliding on the characteristic lames and lavishly embellished with brass trims and domed rivets. By contrast, with a bid of 8,000 euros, the new owner may claim the sumptuous karabela with ivory grip scales, its blade featuring the gold-inlaid inscription "IOANNES. III. REX POLONIARUM - A. DOMINO VENIT PAX & VICTORIA."

Military history and historical objects
Once again, this auction will see significant collectors' items from the courts of Europe's ruling houses being offered for sale. One particular highlight is a meticulously documented artefact from the estate of the last German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941). Presented by the Prussian Officers' Corps on the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1908, the marshal's baton is identical to other marshal's batons of the time except that it is not set with precious stones. As long ago as the 1920s, the inimitable piece of Prussian history found its way into a private collection following the sale of assets that were administered by the imperial House Ministry. Bids from 35,000 euros are now welcomed for the splendid baton, wrought in gold, silver, enamel and velvet, embellished with the Kaiser's appliquéd monogram "WR II", the Prussian crown and inscriptions of the occasion and the benefactors. A veritable treat is in store for connoisseurs of uniforms, who may take advantage of an entire group of outstanding personal effects, still bearing the old authentic labels of the imperial family.

Invariably sought-after, objects from the personal possessions of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837 - 1898), fashioned in sumptuous materials with consummate workmanship, continue to enjoy great popularity. The 75th Auction includes rare garments from her exclusive wardrobe. The slender waisted bodice and sleeves of a black silk moiré gown worn during her period of mourning, here circa 1897/98, are embroidered with sequins and seed pearls, with a tulle band at the collar. Estimated at 7,500 euros, the garment is in exceptionally fine condition. The skirt of a ball gown ensemble in cream silk, the brocade train intricately embroidered with sprays of roses in silver and white, circa 1880, may be acquired for the same starting price.

In addition, enthusiasts will be interested in the unique lots forming part of a small collection of mementos from the personal possessions of Pope John XXIII (1881 - 1963). Acquired and maintained by a biographer of the highly esteemed pope, who was canonised in 2014, some incomparable objects are now for sale, like his camauro in fine red cloth, trimmed in ermine, and his gold ring of thorns with a depiction of the head of Christ, each with a guide price of 2,000 euros. The auction also comprises testaments to the illustrious military career of the Bavarian fighter pilot, Knight of the Military Order of Max Joseph and bearer of the Pour le Mérite, Max von Müller (1887 - 1918). His impressive personal aviator's room with his top-mounted cabinet, desk, Pour le Mérite table and various utensils is crafted with the highest quality workmanship and is thus valued at 45,000 euros. From the same source, a KPM lidded vase, presented by Kaiser Wilhelm II on the award of the Pour le Mérite, featuring two eagles in aerial combat and the high-ranking order, is listed at 12,500 euros, while a goblet of honour, dedicated to the victor in aerial combat, is to come under the hammer for 10,000 euros.

The military history and historical objects catalogue unveils a dazzling selection of significant edged weapons, among them a sabre presented to Felix of Bourbon-Parma (1893 - 1970), brother of Zita, the last Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. With a reserve of 11,000 euros, the model 1904 sabre for cavalry officers is inscribed with the parents' names "Robert. Maria Antonia" on the obverse and the blessing "Sub tuum praesidium confugimus Sancta Dei Genitrix" on the reverse. Opening at 8,000 euros is another beguiling lot: a finely crafted, gold-inlaid sword from Tula, circa 1800, the pommel profusely decorated with yellow, red, and green gold inlays in the form of engraved blossoms and leaves.

Special catalogue of military headgear up to 1918
The splendour and status of the military seldom find such direct expression than in the historical headgear worn by soldiers. Their purpose was to protect the wearer, both from the elements and enemy action, his stature should appear particularly imposing and his rank in the military hierarchy clearly evident. The design frequently corresponded to prevailing standards of fashion; as can be seen in the case of the shako, it was undoubtedly modelled on the top hat. With a focus on Austrian and German helmets, two exceptional collections that had been amassed with enormous dedication over many years have been merged in the special catalogue and are now being offered for auction. They include remarkable rarities, such as a helmet made for the k.u.k First Arcieren Life Guards of 1905. Its silver skull adorned with fire-gilt fittings and topped with an impressive white horsehair plume, the magnificent helmet is expected to fetch 14,000 euros. For a minimum bid of 7,500 euros, aficionados of military history can secure a Bavarian model 1852 helmet for officers of the Archers Life Guard, no less rare and also crowned with a white horsehair plume.

Orders and Insignia
An extensive collection originating from a noble house, namely the estate of Prince Alfons of Bavaria (1862 – 1933) and his son, Prince Joseph Clemens (1902 – 1990) is being put up for auction. An arresting piece of Bavarian history and a veritable phaleristic sensation, the collection offers the opportunity to purchase rarities like the gold collar of the Knightly House Order of St. Hubert. The highly distinguished order decoration is adorned with scenes from St. Hubert's life in coloured enamel and boasts an attached order cross. Established in 1444, the Knightly House Order of St. Hubert is one of Europe's most prestigious orders and was reserved for the aristocracy or public figures of outstanding merit with close connections to the royal family. On his coming of age on 24 January 1880, Prince Alfons of Bavaria was admitted to the first and highest order of the Kingdom of Bavaria by his uncle, King Ludwig II. As it comes with an accompanying letter, handwritten by King Ludwig II, this incomparable lot is sure to coax an enthusiast into parting with 45,000 euros. Next up, no less rare and confirmed as the same bearer and occasion of the award, are the sash bijou and breast star of the Knightly House Order of St. Hubert. Offers of at least 17,000 euros are welcome for this rare set with sash and presentation case, likewise wrought in gold and enamel, and studded with diamonds. Collectors of the same order will also be interested in a gold savonette pocket watch and order cross, listed in the catalogue at 5,000 euros. Produced circa 1890 by "Josh. Penlington Liverpool" in England, the watch has the order cross enamelled on the back, surmounted by an appliquéd royal crown and an engraved ermine coat.

Lot number 5121 presents a true rarity that is seldom, if ever, found on the market, which may be secured by interested parties for a minimum bid of 18,000 euros. Awarded in 1917 to Oberst Theodor Ritter von Herrmann, who was born in 1869, the Military Order of Max Joseph is being offered for auction with the award certificate and – especially remarkable – a patent of nobility. The gold Knight's Cross had been made more than one hundred years previously and awarded to the Russian Lieutenant-General Nikolai Ivanovitch Seliavine of the Infantry (1774 - 1833) in 1814; it was returned in 1840 for safekeeping until it was awarded once again.

Fine antique firearms
This autumn sees another exclusive selection of high grade, antique firearms, for example an exceptionally fine wheellock puffer, probably produced circa 1580 in Augsburg and valued at 20,000 euros; the gorgeously 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. No less irresistible, a wheellock puffer from Saxony, covered in lavish bone inlays and also originating circa 1580, is to come under the hammer for 10,000 euros. The ornate decoration of the early weapon cannot fail to impress, from the chiselled band and zig-zag pattern in relief on the top of the hallmarked barrel, the hop blossoms on the stock, the standing Lucretia on the butt, plunging a dagger in her heart, through to the inlaid lion in relief on the pommel cap. Moreover, a cased pair of splendid gilt percussion pistols from the workshop of the son-in-law of the celebrated Henri Le Page, Le Page Moutier, is estimated at 12,000 euros. Complete with all accessories, their ebony stocks deeply carved with scrolling leaves and the gilt iron furniture with floral engraving, the striking pistols were made circa 1850 in the gunsmith's workshop in Paris.

Dated 1662, a particularly splendid Bohemian deluxe wheellock rifle, probably from Cheb, has taken pride of place in the collection belonging to the princes of Salm-Reifferscheidt for many years. Lavishly embellished with magnificent hunting scenes, mascarons and acanthus ornaments, whether intricately carved on the walnut stock or engraved on the lock and butt, this inimitable piece is now tendered for sale from 15,000 euros.