MUNICH, Germany – On June 1, Hermann Historica will stage its International Orders & Military Collectibles auction, a 444-lot sale of headgear, clothing, decorative objects, awards, and other rarities. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Buyers can look forward to fabulous garments, such as an elegant salon gown in cream-colored silk and matching lace that was once worn by Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Admired for her refinement, culture, and slim figure, famously the result of her iron will, the gown was designed by the Munich seamstress Marie Braun to underline these attributes. Made circa 1870-1880, this matchless gown will delight a new owner for €4,500-€9,000.
Throughout history, ostentatious helmets and uniforms have accentuated the significance and status of the military. They indicated the wearer’s rank and 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, which is in a distinctive shade of white and is trimmed with marten fur, has survived in immaculate condition. It comes with a shako for generals, covered in black cloth and finished with a gilt lanyard with its double-headed eagle and a green plume. This noteworthy ensemble is estimated at €11,000-€22,000.
As in previous years, several extremely unusual orders and insignia from Russia should cause a stir. Among them is 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. Wrought in gold, enameled, and in mint condition, it is estimated at €35,000-€70,000.
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, estimated at €16,000-€32,000. Orders and 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 enameled in color with a gold inscription; the Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with war decoration in colored enamel and partially gilt silver’ and the Bronze Military Merit Medal Signum Laudis with a portrait of Kaiser Franz Joseph in gilt bronze.
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The current rate of exchange between the Euro and the U.S. dollar is 1 = $1.20.
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