press release - Hermann Historica

PRESS RELEASE
Spring Auction of Hermann Historica oHG
The 66th auction of the specialised auction house offers a wide
range of objects from all fields of collectibles in history and military
history, including a magnificent reliquary that was once a gift from
the Belgian royal family to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.
Munich, 25.02.2013 – This year's spring auction at Hermann
Historica oHG will take place from 29 April to 9 May 2013 with the
usual wide range of high quality objects. Approximately 5,500 lots
from all specialist areas represented by the auction house –
antiquities, arms and armour, works of art, hunting antiques, orders
and collectibles from military history – will be auctioned.
Military history and historical objects
The highlight of the 66th auction is an object of museum quality and
imperial provenance, whose priceless magnificence is matched only
by its cultural and historical significance. Modelled on the famous
shrine in the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, the reliquary was
presented by the Belgian royal family to Franz Joseph I of Austria
(1830 - 1916) and Empress Elisabeth (1837 - 1898) in 1888 to
commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Emperor's accession to
the throne. This masterpiece of jeweller's craftsmanship,
incorporating silver, enamel, diamonds, semi-precious stones like
topazes and garnets, rock crystals and freshwater pearls with finely
crafted precious woods, was created by the Viennese imperial court
jeweller, Ludwig Politzer. Fashioned in the style of the late
Renaissance, the architecture of the reliquary is composed of a
large columned hall on a tiered socle, the central relic shrine
surmounted by a large canopy displaying the enamelled image of
the Holy Ghost, the superstructure with various figures of saints is
topped by a pelican finial. The entire surface is profusely decorated
with raised, polychrome-enamelled flower tendril ornaments
adorned with semi-precious stones and pearls. The medallions on
the relic shrine are decorated with fine enamel paintings depicting
biblical scenes and containing numerous references to the life of the
Emperor. Standing 1.11 metres tall and weighing over 23
kilogrammes, this extraordinarily imposing royal gift is of the highest
quality; the listed starting price is 250,000 euros.
Once again, the entire militaria section also has an excellent line-up
of lots to attract buyers' interest. Another item belonging to Emperor
Franz Joseph I, is his personal house overcoat known as the
"Bonjourl," dating from 1912. In outstanding condition and bearing
the tailor's label of the purveyor to the court "A. Uzel & Sohn," this
imperial garment is open to bids from 12,500 euros. Furthermore,
there will be a number of fine helmets from all periods and regions,
like the M 1889 helmet for officers of the Regiment Garde du Corps
or the Cuirassier Guards Regiment, estimated at 7,000 euros.
Exceptionally rare uniforms, like the ensemble belonging to an
Oberleutnant of the Bavarian Flying Corps in the German Alpine
Corps (starting price 9,500 euros) and contemporary documents,
some containing photographs, complete the objects up for auction in
the section of historical collectors' items.
Antiquities
Covering a diverse range of themes, the antiquities section at this
auction once again will include rare and exceptional collector's items
of the highest quality. Particularly impressive is a Chalcidian bronze
helmet dating from the 5th/4th century BC with the characteristically
curved cheek pieces and skull emblazoned with palmettes, which
will be sold as one lot with the matching, naturalistically modelled
greaves. Bidding starts at 25,000 euros for this set with its
exquisitely fine workmanship, the beautiful green/reddish-brown
patina and the metal in marvellous condition, these objects derive
from a long-established private collection in Southern Germany.
Slightly more recent, of notable provenance and likewise in good
condition,
is
a
Roman
legionary's
helmet
of
the
Montefortino/Buggenum type dating from around the birth of Christ.
Forged in one piece with the characteristic mushroom-shaped top
knob on the bronze hemispherical skull, this item was part of the
famous Axel Guttmann Collection and is open to bids from 18,000
euros. In contrast, the new owner of a rare Roman dagger, a gladius
pompeianus with a richly decorated silver scabbard from the 1st/2nd
century AD, will have to part with a minimum of 12,000 euros.
Moreover, amongst the non-military objects in this section, some
unique pieces are to come under the hammer once again this
spring. One such object is a splendid, partially gilt silver ladle,
exceptionally elegant and extremely rare, which was used at Roman
ceremonies as part of a drinking service. A simpulum like this was
used to ladle wine into goblets from a large jar. Due to the high
demand for appealing, magnificently wrought ladles, this example
has decorative openwork and the end of the handle is shaped as
the head of an ibex. This artefact of antique culture dating from
around the birth of Christ can be acquired from 25,000 euros. Also
of Roman origin and from the same period is lot number 2144, a
significant disk fibula. Partiallygold-plated , the oval silver plaque is
embellished with an erotic scene in half relief, and is up for auction
for 10,000 euros.
Arms and armour, arts and crafts
According to tradition, the arms and armour section opens with
hunting antiques and works of art. Dated circa 1620, an outstanding,
silver mounted ebony casket from Augsburg is so exquisite that it
would take pride of place in any "Kunstkammer" collection. All
elements are so elaborately worked and splendidly embellished that
this bijou is an example of every conceivable form of craftsmanship
in superb quality. From the fittings in inscribed silver openwork, the
escutcheon with its finely engraved antique tableau, the intact velvet
lining, the silver bottles and their matching engraved lids, to a secret
compartment for a circa 1730 custom-made verge movement clock
with a fire-gilt mount, each single detail accentuates the significance
of this unique piece. Marked, stamped and signed in parts, the
reserve for this museum-quality casket is 12,000 euros.
Likewise dating from the early 17th century, but a great deal
weightier and with a starting bid of 9,500 euros, is a heavy iron
casket from Nuremberg fitted with two triangular padlocks.
Particularly impressive is the little coffer's sophisticated locking
mechanism with its ten latches and its richly pierced cover plate,
engraved with grotesque masks. Bidding starts at 7,500 euros for
the striking Flemish painting "Salomé presenting the Head of Saint
John the Baptist to Herod" in oil on wood, still in the original, opulent
frame, which dates from around the same period; the work is
attributed to the ambit of Frans Francken II.
A highlight of the antique arms and armour section is a seemingly
archaic, late-Gothic crossbow with a sturdy prod made of horn and
animal sinew, covered in parchment. The hunting crossbow,
manufactured circa 1500, still retains the original prod anchors
made of hemp cords. Estimated at 18,000 euros, the price reflects
the rarity and excellent condition of the Southern German bow. Just
a few years earlier, the late-Gothic chamfron with the lot number
3253 was forged in a Nuremberg workshop. The centre plate of the
chamfron bears a fan-shaped fluting, while a sturdy central ridge
and flared flanges ensure optimal protection of the horse's head at
all times. Nuremberg inspection marks certify the provenance of the
lot, which is open to bids from 20,000 euros.
This year's spring auction includes a gratifying and exceptionally
wide range of objects from the original armoury of the Munich
Arsenal. The pieces have been acquired over a quarter of a century
for a private collection and are now available for auction to
interested parties. Among them is an extremely rare, heavy sword
made for the Munich Town Guard, circa 1600, original in all parts.
Struck on both sides with the mark "ST", this refers to the workshop
of Wolfgang Standler, while the obverse side bears the stamp of the
Munich Arsenal, "HZ" beside a crown. Bids of 15,000 euros
upwards are invited for this rare sword. Dated 1585, an antennahilted sword of the same Munich provenance is open to bids from
8,500 euros. Once again, the sword can be definitively ascribed to
the same Arsenal, however it bears the stamp of "Pettherr
Wirsberch".
First-class helmets are also within the lots in this section, including a
southern German burgonet with three combs dating from 1510/20,
frequently attributed to the Munich Town Guard and on offer here
from 7,800 euros, as well as exceptional rarities like a superb
hunting trousse in excellent condition from the estate of a count, the
Bishop of Gurk (Carinthia), Jakob Maximilian von Thun und
Hohenstein (1681 - 1740), for which bidding starts at 8,500 euros.
Orient and Asia
The quality and diversity of the lots from the Ottoman Empire, India,
as well as Japan and China remain as compelling as ever. One
piece from the Indian subcontinent that is as spectacular as it is
decorative will come under the hammer. Carved in one piece from
a rhinoceros horn, the appeal of this large cup lies in the clean lines
of its composition and the fine quality of the slightly translucent,
amber-coloured material. Dating from the turn of the nineteenth
century, the cup stands a remarkable 24.5 cm tall; bids are invited
from 48,000 euros. Equally splendid are a rare breastplate from
Deccan, modelled in the 18th century on European design,
expected to fetch 5,700 euros and a rare example of an early
helmet, a kulah khud from the 17th century, originating in northern
India, with an opening bid of 8,000 euros. Bidding starts at 25,000
euros for an impressive Persian set comprising two magnificent
silver candelabra embellished with floral designs, each weighing a
formidable six kilogrammes, with a corresponding mirror.
Russia
For many years, the demand for high-quality objects from Russia,
which come onto the market from established collections, has
remained unabated. Once again in this auction, Hermann Historica
is offering collectors the opportunity to acquire exquisite pieces
originating from or associated with the tsarist court. Bids from
35,000 euros are invited for an important artefact of first-class
workmanship, namely the card table belonging to Tsar Alexander II
from Lazienki Palace in Warsaw. Engraved with the tsar's cypher "A
II", the baroque folding table is an example of the finest
craftsmanship and is veneered with walnut, palisander, birch root
wood and bog oak. An exceptionally rare decoration for bravery
awarded to officers of the Russian Cuirassiers is offered with a
starting price of 45,000 euros. Reverently known as the "Golden
Weapon," the heavy cavalry sword M 1826 is partly fire-gilt and
bears the inscription "For Bravery" as well as the sword-knot of the
Order of St. George. The workshop of the gunsmith Kazma
Alexandrovich Zyabrev, Tula, is famous for its exceptionally fine
firearms; here, a pair of 1860 gold-inlaid percussion pistols with
nickel silver fittings and engraved with decorative tendrils, are
offered for auction for 12,000 euros.
Orders and Insignia
Among the large number of orders and insignia up for auction, some
exceedingly rare and therefore valuable Bavarian, Prussian and
Russian orders particularly stand out. Thus, this auction offers a
unique opportunity to acquire possibly the rarest Bavarian breast
star, the Military Order of Max Joseph, circa 1910, with a reserve of
16,000 euros. Produced by the orders jewellers Hemmerle Brothers
in Munich, the brilliant-studded Star of the Order in silver, gold and
fine enamelling in the Bavarian state colours was only awarded
twenty times. Starting at 15,000 euros each are the Russian
decoration for bravery of the Order of St. Vladimir of 1820 in the
orders group for an officer in the Hanseatic Legion and a great rarity
among Prussian orders, a Breast Star to the Order of Merit of the
Prussian Crown, which was instituted as recently as 1901.
Fine antique and modern firearms
This spring sees another exclusive selection of high-quality antique
firearms. Sought-after rarities, some of them unique and seldom
found on the international market, are being offered for auction by
an important German private collection. One outstanding example is
a splendid chiselled, gilt powder flask from the Munich workshop of
Caspar Spät, circa 1640. Finely engraved bone plaques depicting
mythological scenes adorn the broad sides of the curved, octagonal
fruitwood body, while the narrow sides are decorated with animals
and tendrils. Similar pieces can be found in the L'Armeria Reale in
Turin and are attributed to Emanuel Sadeler, chiseller of Munich and
Adam Vischer, stockmaker. The price of this piece reflects its rarity
and quality; this excellent, high-quality work is expected to fetch a
minimum of 25,000 euros. Of the same provenance is an exquisitely
ornamented wheellock rifle (Tschinke) from Teschen in fine
condition, circa 1650, offered for 15,000 euros. Particularly striking
are the skillfully engraved and elaborate blackened staghorn and
mother-of-pearl inlays in the walnut full stock.
Of different origin but of equal interest is an officer's wheellock pistol
of the Saxon Electorate Life Guards made by the Dresden gunsmith
Zacharias Herold, circa 1600. The well-kept armoury pistol with its
ornate floral decorations is expected to fetch 19,000 euros.
Moreover, exceptionally rare examples of modern arms are also
available. For example, a Mannlicher self-loading pistol carbine
Model 1901, calibre 7.63 in almost mint overall condition, for sale
from 6,500 euros, or an exceptionally rare Adler self-loading pistol
circa 1906/07, calibre 7.25, part of a limited series, which can be
acquired from 5,500 euros.
All prices are net prices and are to be understood plus 23 percent
surcharge. The pre-sale viewing will take place from 23 to 28 April
on the premises of Hermann Historica oHG.
Copies permitted – please send proof to:
Further information and high-definition picture material:
Maria Burdick
Kommunikation und Marketing
Elvirastraße 16
D-80636 München
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 - 18 14 15
E-Mail: [email protected]
About Hermann Historica
Hermann Historica oHG, Munich, is one of the world's leading auction houses in
the following special areas: antique arms and armours, hunting collectibles,
antiquities, orders as well as objects from history and military history.
Founded as early as almost 50 years ago by Count Erich Klenau von
Klenova, Baron von Janowitz in Nuremberg as an auction house for coins,
from the very beginning also orders and decorations as well as objects of
military history were put up to auction. In the early seventies the range of
the auctions was broadened by the category of “antique arms and armour”.
The wide range with its thoroughly researched and elaborately designed
special catalogues was soon accepted by international collectors and
museums. In 1982 the present owners renamed the auction house
Hermann Historica oHG, and at least two auctions are conducted annually
which address more than 40,000 clients worldwide. Particularly sensational
are the numerous objects from the possessions of noble houses, notably
those of the German and Austrian imperial family, which continue to attract
international attention, as well as the auctions dispersing complete
collections such as the sale of the hunting treasures of Castle Fuschl in
Salzburg, the liquidation of the Nümbrecht Museum of Historical
Technology, the worldwide biggest auctions of "Children’s Dreams on
Wheels", the pedal cars of the Centre of Extraordinary Museums in Munich
as well as the sale of the Axel Guttmann Collection of Antique Arms and
Armour.
www.hermann-historica.com
All Pictures: Copyright Hermann Historica oHG 2013
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The reliquary was modelled on
the famous shrine in the
Basilica of the Holy Blood in
Bruges.
The magnificent reliquary was
presented by the Belgian royal
family to Franz Joseph I.
Starting Price: 250,000 Euros
The medallions on the relic
shrine are decorated with fine
enamel paintings with biblical
scenes and containing references to the life of the Emperor.
_
_
_
Splendid, partially gilt silver
ladle, which has been part of a
Roman drinking service.
Starting Price: 25,000 Euros
Chalcidian bronze helmet
dating from the 5th/4th century
BC with the matching, naturalistically modelled greaves.
Starting Price: 25,000 Euros
Late-Gothic chamfron with
sturdy central ridge and
Nuremberg inspection marks.
Starting Price: 20,000 Euros
_
_
_
Late-Gothic crossbow with a
sturdy prod made of horn and
animal sinew, covered in parchment, manufactured circa 1500.
Starting Price: 18,000 Euros
An antenna-hilted sword
Munich dated 1585 (L) and an
extremely rare, heavy sword
made for the Munich Town
Guard, circa 1600 (R). Starting
Price: 8,500 + 15,000 Euros
An outstanding splendid
chiselled, gilt powder flask from
the Munich workshop of Caspar
Spät, circa 1640. (R).
Starting Price: 25,000 Euros
_
_
_
Kulah khud from the 17th
century, originating in northern
India.
Starting Price: 8,000 Euros
Large, in one peace carved
rhinoceros horn cup from India,
circa 1800.
Starting Price: 48,000 Euros
Dated circa 1620, an exquisite,
silver mounted ebony casket
from Augsburg.
Starting Price: 12,000 Euros
_
_
_
Order of St. Vladimir of 1820 in
the orders group for an officer
in the Hanseatic Legion,
Russia.
Starting Price: 15,000 Euros
Important artefact of first-class
workmanship: the card table
belonging to Tsar Alexander II
from Lazienki Palace, Warsaw.
Starting Price: 35,000 Euros
A number of fine helmets from
all periods and regions.
_
_
An exquisitely ornamented wheellock rifle
(Tschinke) from Teschen in fine condition, circa
1650.
Starting Price: 15,000 Euros
Pair of gold-inlaid percussion pistols from the
workshop of the gunsmith Kazma Alexandrovich
Zyabrev, Tula, 1860.
Starting Price: 12,000 Euros