MUNICH, Germany – From January 30 to February 3, Hermann Historica will lure bidders to their screens with almost 3,500 spectacular and delightful objects. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Works of Art, Antiquities, Asian and Russian Art, January 30
The week of auctions opens on Monday, January 30 with a sale of just under 900 lots, ranging from antiquities to Asian art and handcrafts. Heading the parade is an indisputable showstopper: a remarkable marble sculpture of a lion from the 2nd to 3rd century, estimated at €25,000-€50,000. In outstanding condition, the imposing, highly detailed lion is a fine, unparalleled testament to provincial Roman workmanship.
Another standout is a 1st century Roman bronze statuette that captures a stark contrast: on the one hand, an intellectual, declaiming philosopher, but on the other a dwarf, whose diminutive size and only partly concealed phallus make a mockery of the orator. The exceptionally superb statue, probably of Alexandrine origin, where the production of such grotesque figures experienced a tremendous upswing during the Hellenistic period, is estimated at €20,000-€40,000.
One highlight in the jewelry section is an elaborate 18th-century piece from Eastern Europe – a Jewish silver pendant depicting a menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum that is considered one of the most important religious symbols of Judaism. It has an estimate of €1,000-€2,000.
Antique Arms and Armor, January 31
Roughly 320 lots take center stage in an auction of antique arms and armor from all over the world. The sale is destined to draw a flurry of bids from collectors of Middle Eastern treasures because it contains an opulent, silver-mounted shamshir from the Ottoman Empire, estimated at €4,600-€9,200. Dating from the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid I (1839-1861), the obverse of the silver-mounted edged weapon is adorned with six gold-damascened calligraphic cartouches, one with the magic inscription “buduh,” referencing a female demon of love.
In the defensive arms category, lot 7201 stands head and shoulders above the rest: a suit of armor worn by a Pikeman during the 16th or 17th century. It features a hinged gorget; pauldrons of Swiss type, sliding on six lames; a slightly ridged breastplate, drawn out to a slight central point; and a matching breastplate. Estimated at €2,500-€5,000, it includes two tassets sliding on five lames, their fastening bolts of later date.
Fine Antique and Modern Firearms, February 1
This Wednesday auction boasts more than 600 lots from five centuries of antique and modern firearms. Lot 8059, one of the highlights among the civil firearms, a 19th-century swivel gun, bears an estimate of €700-€1,400. The extremely attractive yet somewhat whimsical gun was probably made in England; its beautiful cast barrel is particularly compelling. The swivel gun is held by a two-pronged fork.
Pair of circa-1780 German chiseled flintlock pistols, estimated at €5,000-€10,000
Another highlight is a fabulous pair of deluxe German flintlock pistols dating from around 1780, which carries an estimate of €5,000-€10,000. The intricately crafted warriors stand out strikingly against the gilt background, making this pair of pistols exceptionally decorative.
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918, February 2
On Thursday, bidders can look forward to a wealth of collectibles from Germany and the world at large. This Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 sale boasts more than 560 lots.
An M 1825/54 cuirass with a heavy, ridged breastplate, a lighter backplate and a border of brass lining rivets is estimated at €500-€1,000. The manufacturer’s mark “Chatellerault” and the date “Mars 1852” are still clearly visible on the inside.
Truly one of a kind, lot 9202, a magnificent coffee service made by the celebrated Meissen porcelain factory, has a noble provenance to Austria’s imperial house. Estimated at €5,000-€10,000, the porcelain is from Meissen’s Red Court Dragon pattern, which remained the exclusive preserve of the Saxon court until 1918. According to legend, this service was presented to heir-presumptive Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este, to mark his engagement. His assassination in 1914 led to World War I.
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The current rate of exchange is €1 = $1.08.
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