Hermann Historica offers jewelry, swords & Willi Engelhardt art, Jan. 31-Feb. 1

 Dragonfly-shaped gold brooch, est. €600-€1,200


Dragonfly-shaped gold brooch, est. €600-€1,200

MUNICH – A cornucopia of art, antiques and magnificent showpieces will come under the hammer in the online-only auction of Hermann Historica, taking place from January 31 to February 4. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Art and antiques

The auction kicks off with art and handcrafts and Asian art on Monday, January 31. Leading the lots is a circa-1830 miniature wooden casket estimated at €1,000-€2,000. Set on a fine brass inlay with floral decoration, the exquisitely enameled medallion on the lid of the jewelry box shows a young couple gazing into each other’s eyes.

Circa-1830 miniature wooden jewelry box, est. €1,000-€2,000

Circa-1830 miniature wooden jewelry box, est. €1,000-€2,000

Another standout is a 1926 Steiff teddy bear with the typical glass eyes, expressive face and blackish-brown nose. Its estimate is €800-€1,600.

1926 Steiff teddy bear, est. €800-€1,600

1926 Steiff teddy bear, est. €800-€1,600

The jewelry selection is a sight to behold. Foremost among the 80-odd lots is a gold brooch in the shape of a dragonfly, estimated at €600-€1,200. Its wings are set with four opals, while its body twinkles with diamonds.

Circa-1920 Art Deco diamond and ruby necklace, est. €700-€1,400

Circa-1920 Art Deco diamond and ruby necklace, est. €700-€1,400

Another strong contender comes in the form of a circa-1920 Art Deco diamond and ruby necklace, estimated at €700-€1,400. It features 72 old-cut diamonds encircling the central ruby on a gold chain.

Bohemian glass goblet, est. €500-€1,000

Bohemian glass goblet, est. €500-€1,000

Glass collectors will be spoilt for choice in this auction, which contains a 120-piece collection of cut glass, 19th-century colored glass and opaque glass. Worthy of special mention is a Bohemian glass goblet that features a Persian warrior with his steed. Most likely made by August Bohm or Emanuel Hoffmann, it is estimated at €500-€1,000.

Circa-1880 fan vase by Josef Riedel, est. €400-€800

Circa-1880 fan vase by Josef Riedel, est. €400-€800

Representing the glories of art nouveau is a circa-1880 fan vase by Josef Riedel, estimated at €400-€800. Its distinctive lines and admirable finishing will no doubt create a certain excitement.

Antiquities, Poster Collection and Arms & Armor

The Antiquities, Poster Collection and Arms & Armor sale is scheduled for Tuesday, February 1. Comprising more than 100 lots, it includes choice prizes such as a charming group of miniature animal figures in bronze. The three stags and one ibex were made in Luristan, probably around 1000 BCE, and have developed an outstanding patina during the years. The figures carry a collective estimate of €800-€1,600.

Willi Engelhardt gouache for an iconic 1950s poster, est. €400-€800

Willi Engelhardt gouache for an iconic 1950s poster, est. €400-€800

One of the sensations of the day will be the collection acquired by the late graphic artist and commercial designer Willi Engelhardt. Among the almost 150 lots are numerous original film and advertising posters created between the 1930s to the 1960s, together with gouache drawings and sketches from his studio.

Collectors will be particularly interested in the gouache design for his 1950s poster of a blonde at the swimming pool. The skilful graphic representation has an estimate of €400-€800.

Saudi Arabian presentation saif (sword), est. €1,500-€3,000

Saudi Arabian presentation saif (sword), est. €1,500-€3,000

The 365 objects in the antique arms and armor selection includes a Saudi Arabian presentation saif, or sword. Certain to certain to be the center of attention, the slightly curved sword boasts a delicately engraved inscription in Arabic. The grip is made of gilt silver, while the countless glass stones that decorate the scabbard catch the light. Offered with its presentation case, the presentation saif carries an estimate of €1,500-€3,000.

Left-handed dagger from the early 17th century, est. €2,300-€4,600

Left-handed dagger from the early 17th century, est. €2,300-€4,600

Rounding out the highlights is a left-handed dagger from the early 17th century, its hilt embellished with a stunning graphic pattern. It is estimated at €2,300-€4,600.

 

The current rate of exchange is €1 = $1.13.

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