MUNICH — A massive run of six auctions have been set by Hermann Historica for Tuesday October 10 through Thursday, October 12 and also Tuesday, October 17 through Thursday, October 19, packed with all the things the German auction house is known for: ancient and medieval artifacts and weaponry, along with 20th-century militaria from a number of prominent collections. The catalogs are now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.
The top lot in October 10th’s Works of Art, Antiques, Ancient and Asian Art is a first century A.D. Roman food warmer in remarkable original condition. Adorned with bird sculptures and Eros figures with cat paws for the unit’s legs, this bronze piece, known as an “authepsa,” is among the most complete and complex found to date. It is estimated at €140,000-€280,000 ($149,8000-$299,600).
Antique Arms and Armor happens on October 11, and includes a Nuremberg proof-marked late-Gothic breastplate described as being in “excellent” condition, particularly considering its 1490-1500 date of creation. The armor carries an estimate of €6,400-€12,800 ($6,848-$13,696).
An extremely rare DWM 9mm Luger design for the U.S. Army’s 1902 trials is the top lot in the October 12 Fine Antique and Modern Firearms event. While appearing unbelievably original and without any restoration, Hermann Historica officials noted much dissenting internet discussion of the gun and subjected it to further testing, which revealed it had been professionally refinished at some point in the past. It has an estimate of €28,000-€56,000 ($29,960-$59,920).
Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941) was the last German emperor and King of Prussia, and an incredibly avid hunter. So legendary were his hunts that royalty the world over sought to attend one. To be selected by the Kaiser was a tremendous honor, and Wilhelm was extraordinarily generous with certain attendees. This hunting hanger dated 1894 features Damascus steel and detailed engravings of wild game. It was given by Wilhelm to an unknown hunt attendee. In virtually new condition, it is estimated at €35,000-€70,000 ($37,450-$74,900) and is the top lot in the October 17’s Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 sale.
Built for the U. S. Army in 1944, this Willys Jeep was completed at the Toledo plant and shipped to Italy, where it was put to work with Allied forces pushing northward towards Germany. It was hit with Wehrmacht machine gun fire, disabled, and abandoned by GIs. It was recovered by locals and moved to a barn, where it lay dormant and bullet-riddled for decades. Rediscovered around 2003, the Jeep was resurrected by local mechanics and body-repair specialists and returned to 1944 as-used condition. It is still in Florence, but can be shipped worldwide and is estimated at €25,000-€50,000 ($26,750-$53,500).
