MUNICH.- From 24 October to 5 November, this year's Autumn Auction at Hermann Historica oHG gives buyers every reason to expect the usual wide range of high quality, precious objects from numerous eras and from every corner of the globe. Approximately 6,500 lots from all specialist areas represented by the auction house are to come under the hammer – antiquities, arms and armour, works of art, hunting antiques, orders and collectibles from all fields of history and military history.

Antiquities
The antiquities section includes a variety of unique and exquisitely worked objects that were crafted by the highly skilled smiths of yesteryear; some artefacts are known to have formed part of prestigious collections for many years. Once again, the array of early bronze helmets promises several veritable rarities, among them a Roman bronze infantry helmet of Weisenau type, which was forged during the end of the first to the early second century A.D. Not only does the helmet boast the characteristic movable cheek pieces, the flared neck guard and the knob to insert the crest, it is sure to delight buyers by virtue of its impressive condition and documented provenance in the renowned Axel Guttmann Collection of Berlin. A splendid specimen of its type – the rare bronze version – the helmet is now being offered to international collectors from 25,000 euros. Equally worthy of note is a bossed helmet, also forged in bronze in the sixth century B.C., with several remarkable features, namely an offset rim and two repousséd ridges (double comb). Nevertheless, these unusual characteristics indicate the vicinity of the port Ancona in the ancient Italic region of Picenum as the helmet's geographical origin. Both this uniquely distinctive piece of armour and a late Chalcidian helmet, dating from the fourth century B.C., are expected to fetch a minimum of 15,000 euros. A highly unconventional local variant, with a skull composed of two halves, the marvellous condition of the metal and the fine green patina lend the helmet an imposing elegance.

No less skilfully fashioned are the exquisite works crafted by gold and silversmiths in ancient times: from a matching pair of late Hellenistic/early Roman silver beakers, embellished with an appliquéd olive twig bearing leaves and fruits, chased from gilt sheet silver, to a Hittite sculpture of a bull, cast in bronze and lavishly adorned with sheet silver, dating from the 16th to the 15th century B.C., right through to an exceptionally striking gold bracelet, delicately incised with ram heads, which was created in Greece in the fifth century B. C. Standing 6.6 and 7 centimetres high, the beakers were clearly part of an antique service and have a limit of 22,000 euros, while the particularly unusual statue is valued at 20,000 euros, partly on account of its documented provenance over many decades, and the golden bracelet, weighing in at over 30 grams, is open to bids from 10,000 euros.

The armour and weapons of the Samurai
As long ago as the 1950s, Rudolf Ott (1919 - 2010), the owner of a successful chemist's in Munich, started laying the foundation for his world-famous collection of Japanese weapons and objets d'art. With enormous zeal and equal expertise, he devoted his efforts to his initial focus of interest, Japanese edged weapons; however, he soon discovered his passion for magnificently crafted helmets and armour. In regular exchange with collectors all over the world, the globetrotter travelled extensively, visiting countless museums and private collections. Sometimes accompanied by renowned experts, he made the most of his travels to gain valuable experience, seizing the opportunity to acquire more inimitable, carefully chosen objects to add to his collection. Even in advanced years, his unerring instinct and remarkable flair never let him down, enabling Mr Ott to build up one of the most comprehensive and superior collections on the subject of Japanese weaponry from the early period right through to the 19th century. Hermann Historica has now been granted the great honour of offering this unique collection of over 300 lots to collectors and museums around the world. Among them are sensational artefacts, like an excellent do maru gusoku armour from the mid Edo period (1603 - 1868), its iron helmet formed of 24 plates in the style around 1250, offered for auction from 13,000 euros or an exceedingly rare, superb daisho, a long and a short sword, parts of the blades made circa 1530 by members of the prestigious Kanemoto family, with a starting price of 20,000 euros. The array of other artefacts ranges from elaborately lacquered cases of arms through to a fully articulated jizai okimono of hammered, engraved sheet iron plates in the shape of a koi carp from the Meiji period (1868 -1912), which is to come under the hammer for a minimum of 8,000 euros.

Arms and armour, arts and crafts
According to tradition, the arms and armour catalogue opens with hunting antiques, works of art and rare wunderkammer objects. An outstanding bibliophile masterpiece, the “Kreütter Buch” written by Hieronymus Bock (1498 - 1554) in 1551, may be acquired from 3,500 euros. Widely regarded as one of the “fathers of botany”, Bock first presented his magnum opus, richly illustrated with 500 woodcuts, in 1539. A botanist, physician and Lutheran preacher, the author's markedly precise observations and descriptions of the flora made the work a resounding success from the outset, sealing his reputation as one of the leading scientists of his time. Collectors will also be interested in a baroque bottle from Saxony, dated 1683 and profusely decorated with tendrils and ornaments in extremely fine enamel painting, which is listed at 3,800 euros; a Flemish large-size gobelin tapestry from the second half of the 17th century, in beautiful condition, the colours of the forest landscape still vibrant, opening at 7,000 euros or an 1860, silver-mounted, ivory tankard from Germany, carved with hunting scenes in baroque style, which is estimated at 3,400 euros. A large number of antique hunting trophies rounds off the lots.

The antique arms and armour section holds a whole range of exceptional collectors' items in store. In truly wonderful condition is a leather-covered, wooden circular parade shield, made in Venice for the trabant guard serving under Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Prince Bishop of Salzburg from 1587 - 1612. The central cartouche is intricately painted with a coat of arms in elegant hues, partially gilt and silver-plated, surrounded by opulent arabesques and floral decoration; the shield is expected to fetch at least 20,000 euros. Furthermore, this autumn promises an outstanding selection of unusual and perfectly preserved 16th century swords. One particular rarity is a late Gothic two-handed battle sword, which was forged in Switzerland or South Germany circa 1500 - 1520. Its blade embellished with brass inlays on one side and the Passau wolf mark on the other, the powerful sword boasts a length of some 1.66 metres and is original in all parts. Even the leather cover of the wooden grip dates from the same period as the two-handed sword itself, which has a reserve of 24,000 euros. From the same region, an Astknaufschwert was forged just slightly later, circa 1520 - 1540, with engraved Malchus, cruciform décor and iron pommel cut into seven segments. The new owner will have to part with a minimum of 12,000 euros for this fabulous piece. Moreover, bids are invited from 11,000 euros for a hallmarked, German thrusting sword with a spirally fluted, iron quillons from the first quarter of the 16th century and a rare, early German riding sword in perfect, untouched condition, dating from 1530, is to come under the hammer for not less than 10,000 euros.

The 73rd Auction includes true rarities among the crossbows for sale, some even of royal provenance, like a German deluxe pistol crossbow, circa 1760, whose enchantingly graceful, slender design is certain to coax an enthusiast into parting with 9,500 euros. Measuring a mere 37 centimetres, yet extraordinarily elaborate with rich inlays, engraved depictions of flora and fauna, and adorned with gilt brass fittings, the remarkable combination weapon was supported on the operator's hand to fire. From the prestigious Collection of the Royal House of Hanover and opening at 7,500 euros is a Renaissance crossbow – as significant as it is outstanding – that was built in Germany towards the end of the 16th century. Lavishly veneered with engraved bone inlays, the crossbow bears a rich ornamentation of scrollwork, fruit festoons, mythical creatures and mascarons. Selected pieces of armour complete the objects on sale in this catalogue, like a heavy Polish lobster-tailed burgonet from the mid-17th century, its eight-fold ridged, hemispherical skull forged in one piece, or a pair of German gauntlets with etched floral decoration, wrought circa 1540. Richly trimmed with brass-plated decorative rivets and boasting a neck-guard of six upward-lapping lames, the helmet will doubtless grace a new collection for 7,000 euros, while the fully articulated gauntlets are estimated at 6,000 euros.

Asia, Orient and Africa
The quality and diversity of the lots from Africa, the Ottoman Empire, India, Japan and China remains as compelling as ever. A pair of silver-mounted and gilt percussion pistols ushers in the rare and magnificent lots in this section. Manufactured in Boka Kotorska during the 19th century, profusely adorned with flowers and ornaments in relief, the barrels each marked at the breech, the catalogue lists this splendid decorative pair at 10,000 euros. A silver-mounted, 17th/18th century jade dagger from India is sure to be well received. The pronounced blade is made of Wootz Damascus steel, while the dark green jade grip is chiselled with a floral relief and studded with gold-set ruby cabochons. The sumptuous dagger may be acquired for a minimum of 12,500 euros. Also extremely valuable is a diamond-studded, decorative gold belt dating from the first half of the 20th century. Also from India, the ten parts are hinged for flexibility and the oval buckle features twelve set diamond roses. This wonderful example of goldsmith's workmanship is expected to fetch at least 17,000 euros. Originally from the estate of a noble German family, a Chinese golden presentation ring will come under the hammer for 2,500 euros; by all accounts, the ring was presented to Emperor William II by Zaifeng, also called Prince Chun II, the father of the last Chinese emperor, on the occasion of his diplomatic visit to Berlin in 1901.

Military history and historical objects
The military history and historical objects section is a veritable treasure trove of collectors' items of great historical significance from all over the world. Among them are artefacts from France's turbulent history at the dawn of the 19th century, like two helmets and a sabre of the legendary musketeers, who live on in Alexandre Dumas' unforgettable literary monument, his novel “The Three Musketeers”. The Mousquetaires gris de la Maison du Roi formed the first company of royal guards, the majority of whom were noblemen; their duty was to accompany the monarch on his travels. The guard existed without interruption from 1622 to 1815. They earned the sobriquet gris in reference to the fact that the musketeers only rode silver grey horses, whereas the second company of the guard were popularly known as noirs, serving on black horses. Collectors have the opportunity to acquire a helmet from each of the companies, both circa 1814/15. The exceedingly rare helmet for enlisted men of the Mousquetaires gris has a reserve of 9,500 euros as befits its tremendous opulence: a silver-plated copper skull, cross, flame and fleurs de lys motifs and horsehair trim. In contrast, the helmet for enlisted men of the Mousquetaires noirs is considerably more modest, with a limit of 7,500 euros. Also offered for auction – from 4,000 euros – is a sabre from the armoury of the grey musketeers, likewise dating from circa 1814/15 during the Bourbon Restoration. As rare as it is valuable, it was crafted by the Weyersberg brothers of Solingen. Equally impressive is a deluxe lion's head sabre from the time of the Consulate circa 1800, whose elaborate design, with etchings, gilding, almost continuous bluing and lion's head pommel, indicates that it belonged to a highly decorated military bearer. The majestic weapon may be acquired for 6,000 euros at least. Bids are invited from 3,000 euros for a bronze plaque, allegedly from the sarcophagus of Napoleon II - Roi de Rome (1811 - 1832) in the Dome of Les Invalides.

Of German provenance, a formidable honour sabre of Saxony's Schützen- and Jägerkorps, which was presented to its commander circa 1816, finely etched with a gilt decor of tendrils and trophies on both sides and the Saxon royal coat of arms on a blued background, is particularly impressive. Made by ”E. L. Voigt Haupt Zeughaus Schwerdfeger in Dresden” and finished with a lion head pommel, this superb and unparalleled edged weapon is tendered for sale from 13,500 euros. Some exceptional pieces reflecting military history and splendour from the Kingdom of Bavaria are also certain to attract attention, including a helmet M 1852 for enlisted men and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Bavarian Hartschiere Life Guards, with a starting price of 7,000 euros. The imposing helmet – the grand ceremonial issue – has a nickel-silver skull crowned with a rampant parade lion, appliquéd with the large Bavarian coat of arms surmounted by a crown. Also offered for sale is a personal seal belonging to King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845 - 1886). Sculpted in the form of the muse Melpomene in bronze, with gold and silver plating, by the famous Art Nouveau artist Louis Kley (1833 - 1911) of France, this symbolic bijou will assuredly take pride of place in a new collection for a minimum of 4,500 euros. Two garments from the sought-after wardrobe of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837 - 1898) are also to come under the hammer. Bids from 2,500 euros each are welcome for an ermine muff and an ermine stole, both lined in silk and embroidered with the Empress' monogram and crown.

Dating from the modern era of American history, the Gold Life Saving Medal and other awards that were presented to Captain Harry Manning (1897 -1974) for rescuing the crew of the “Florida” in 1929 are valued at 7,500 euros. A German immigrant, Manning soon built up a civil maritime career on completing his training and was engaged on the basis of his reputation by the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart (1897 - 1937) as a navigator during her flight around the world.

A number of famous names and unrivalled historical artefacts from their personal property head the procession of Russian military objects. The spectacular highlight of the military history auction is a significant Russian gold shashka M 1881/1910 with appliquéd Order of St. George with Diamonds, awarded for bravery, from the Eduard workshop of St. Petersburg circa 1914. During World War I, the Sabre of St. George with Diamonds was awarded a mere eight times; this fact notwithstanding, the most consummate workmanship, the two-coloured gold fittings set with diamonds, the grip of solid gold and its floral ornaments serve to make the edged weapon truly one of a kind. Possibly belonging to Grand Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich Romanov the Younger (1856 - 1929), this museum-quality piece sans pareil is now open to bids from 100,000 euros. Dated 1904, a magnificent shashka for officers of the Terek Cossacks, with a double-headed eagle and the manufacturer's signet for Zlatoust, has a limit of 20,000 euros and a flintlock shotgun with internal cock, manufactured in Russia circa 1770 by the renowned Master I. Makarischev, is expected to fetch a minimum of 30,000 euros. Originating from the tsarist court, a handwritten letter from Catherine the Great (1729 - 1796) to her Quartermaster General Count von Elmpt is valued at 4,500 euros, while two porcelain figures from a KPM presentation service especially made for the tsarina in 1772 are of the utmost rarity. The finished service was held in such high esteem that it was publicly exhibited for two weeks before delivery in Berlin as a masterpiece of porcelain art. It is currently part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Apart from the figures offered for auction, “Russian Man” and “Russian Peasant”, each with a reserve of 4,500 euros, no further items from the period are known to exist.

Orders and Insignia
The decorations from the Soviet Union look set to steal the show in the orders section. Among them are exceptionally rare pieces, like the partially enamelled Order of Suvorov Second Class, worked in gold and silver, with the wearer number “1593” engraved on the back. Awarded from 1943, it has a starting price of 6,000 euros. A bid of 7,000 euros could secure a companion piece stamped with the wearer number ”1817”, whereas the Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky Second Class, likewise worked in gold and silver, bearing the number “1152” and awarded from 1943, is estimated at 5,000 euros. From Germany, the complete orders estate belonging to Krupp Director Carl Menshausen (1847 -1909) of Essen is particularly impressive. In addition to the orders themselves, the significant collection includes numerous corresponding award documents. Opening at 3,000 euros is the pièce de résistance: the eight-rayed breast star of the Imperial Chinese Order of the Double Dragon, Star of the Second Class, Grade 3, which may be regarded as museum quality. It was awarded in 1896 by Viceroy Li Hong-Zhang (1823 - 1901), who was taking the opportunity to intensify China's contacts with representatives of industry during his diplomatic visit.

Fine antique and modern firearms
Once again, the antique firearms section includes pieces that collectors may only otherwise dream of, some of which boast a sensational rarity, like a significant three-shot wheellock pistol from 1610. Manufactured in Germany, with inlays of engraved and blackened bone in the walnut full stock, the appeal of the pistol lies in the elaborate mechanism of its three locks. Bids are invited from 30,000 euros for this absolute rarity, such as which are seldom found on the market, if at all; moreover, only few examples are known to be in museums worldwide. Equally rare, and no less striking, is a combination weapon of a battle axe with a wheellock firearm, crafted in Nuremberg circa 1580. Likewise featuring a walnut stock lavishly inlaid with engraved and blackened bone, acanthus decoration chiselled on the barrel root and trigger guard, together with an imposing axe head: bidding starts at 28,000 euros for this superb example of the blacksmith's and gunmaker's craft. A two-shot, all-metal wheellock pistol from the same period and region is in excellent, untouched original condition. Once again, the price reflects the rarity and condition of this hallmarked firearm, for which offers of at least 25,000 euros are welcome. Moreover, with an opening bid of 15,000 euros, a South German flintlock petronel (a comparable piece is documented in New York's Metropolitan Museum) is certain to meet with buyers‘ approval, as well as a pair of Scottish all-metal pistols by the supremely skilful Thomas Murdoch (1741 - 1791), Leith and Doune, 1780, available for 12,000 euros.

Also up for auction are a number of exquisite guns and small arms made by Hanover gunsmiths during the 17th - 19th century from Heinz-Walter Hebestreit's unparalleled collection, amassed with enormous zeal and expertise spanning more than four decades. Connoisseurs are now able to purchase superbly crafted pieces by highly respected, North German exponents of the guild, many of whom are regarded as the best gunmakers of their time.

All prices are net prices and are to be understood plus 23 percent surcharge.