MUNICH – The online-only auctions that were introduced by Hermann Historica GmbH several years ago are becoming increasingly popular. Once again, some 4,112 lots are coming under the hammer from June 21-25, including unparalleled premium objects and pieces for first-time buyers. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
The Works of Art, Antiquities sale kicks off the auction week on June 21, with 887 lots from all periods and regions. First up is a colored 1735 copperplate by Johann Daniel Herz, featuring scenes from the Passion of Christ against a capriccio view of the city of Jerusalem. The exceptionally large plate presents a fabulous, multi-figured tableau of history and landscape in meticulous detail. It is estimated at €3,500-€7,000.
Of considerably later date is an impressive sandstone sculpture of Guanyin, carved in China during the 20th century. Her head is crowned with an opulent diadem, her gaze cast downwards in thought as she holds a vase in front of her body. This sculpture of the goddess of mercy and compassion is estimated at €24,000-€48,000.
The June 22 session is entirely dedicated to 414 lots of antique arms and armor. A large number of objects in the 88th Auction clearly show that emphasis was not just placed on the accoutrements and protection of human combatants, but also on that of their mounts. Leading that selection is a German horse’s muzzle, or chamfron, elaborately forged in the style of circa 1480. Estimated at €3,500-€7,000, the chamfron is sure to hold buyers in thrall with its appealing embellishment of turned flanges with finely fluted decor, striking escutcheon, and riveted ear protection.
The magnificent edged weapons of the Ottoman Empire have long been a source of delight. A kilij produced in Turkey during the 19th century is no exception. Resplendent with gold inlays, silver plating, and lavish setting of corals and turquoises, the saber, with its typically shaped blade of Damascus steel is estimated at €6,000-€12,000.
The selection of wheellock and flintlock weapons in the June 23 Fine Antique and Modern Firearms auction is particularly outstanding, with 996 lots in all. The “Mullerbuchse” wheellock rifle, produced circa 1700 by Georg von der Fecht of Berlin, deserves special mention. In recognition of his superb skill, he was documented as the crown prince’s court gunsmith from 1710 and even appointed court gunsmith to Friedrich Wilhelm I from 1713. It is estimated at €2,800-€5,600.
International orders and military antiques will be offered on June 24. The lots include impeccable testaments to illustrious military careers, such as the gala costume worn by a Hungarian magnate during the second half of the 19th century. Elaborately fashioned in silk brocade, and embroidered and embellished with silver gilt threads and cords, it was reserved for important ceremonial occasions. These costumes are so rare that only a few are known to exist, on display in the world’s most prestigious museums. The garment carries an estimate of €5,400-€10,800.
The grand finale of the auction week will be the unveiling of some very special – and sizeable – collector’s items. The Krupp-Protze or Kfz 70 is an all-terrain, six-wheeled truck and artillery tractor with rear-wheel drive that was designed as a personnel carrier. Manufactured in 1941, this particular vehicle is powered by a 3.5 l four-cylinder boxer petrol engine, type Krupp M 304 in the 60 horsepower version, as built from 1936 to 1942. Restored to roadworthy condition, the truck is estimated at €145,000-€290,000.
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The current rate of exchange is €1 = $1.21.
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