Four auctions at Hermann Historica
Two of the four take place at the end of May, but we’re going to look at the two at the start of June, which include the International Orders & Military Collectibles and International Military History from 1919. First up then the Order of Leopold, a commander’s cross with war decoration. It comes in the red award case. Bidding starts at €1,950.
You’ll need deep pockets for the next, spectacular award. It’s the Order of St. Stanislaus, c. 1870. This order for officials was introduced in 1839 and was only awarded to the chancellor of the Order of St. Stanislaus, the master of ceremonies, two heralds and the secretary of the order. Good condition, extremely rare so bidding starts at €35,000.
Next, an attractive Pour Le Mérite with award document to Lieutenant Colonel Erich Böhme. Wartime version of gilt silver with the domed clasp characteristic of Wagner. Portrait photograph of Böhme wearing the Pour le Mérite order. Bidding starts at €8,000.
A real piece of history next with a Congressional Medal of Honour to Sergeant
Jophn Karr who was a member of the escort for the remains of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. It features the dedication: ‘The Congress to
Sergt. John Karr Co. D 14th Vet.
Res.Corps of Escort to Remains of President Abraham Lincoln
April 1865’ inscribed on the back. Bidding starts at €3,500.
An interesting one now, a helmet of the Khedive life guard, from 1867. Featuring a one-piece iron bell with neck protection. It has a conical crown rosette with iron crescent and adjustable arrowshaped nose iron (small defect). Bidding starts at €1,350.
On to the post-1919 auction, which starts on 2 June. First up, an interesting photo book covering torpedo boats from 1928-1930.
Featuring a blue linen cover with corresponding gold embossing. It has 50 pages, each with two photos in 9cm x 14cm format along with explanatory text, as well as dating of the ships, the technology, exercises, trips abroad and scenes from the life of a sailor. Bidding to start at €300.
There are a number of items previously owned by or associated with Hermann Göring and one of the most eye catching is this Reichsmarshall's Goblet of Honour for the 1941 Schorfheide Prize.
The trophy comes direct from the estate of the winning jockey. You’re under starters orders at €3,500.
Sticking with the NSDAP leadership, how about a pair of cuff links given to Rudolf Hess by Heinrich Himmler? Round cufflinks with a pearl edge and SS runes in relief in an oak leaf edge on a dark patinated, grained background. Bidding starts at €2,800.
Right to the top of the Nazi pile next, with Hitler’s personal writing case from his apartment in Munich. The large-format, lime green leather case with a gold-embossed national eagle, also outlined in gold, on the cover. A barely legible embossed stamp ‘Pfaff ... Berlin’ on the back for the famous Berlin bookbinding workshop of Otto Pfaff and Otto Dorfner.
Inside are three blank double sheets of personal writing paper with the national eagle, the inscription ‘Adolf Hitler’ and ‘München, den’ in gold relief, along with three unused envelopes. Seized by Siegfried F. Brand of the US Military Intelligence Service, in Hitler's apartment on Prinzregentenplatz at the beginning of May 1945. Comes with a confirmation of authenticity letter from Albert Speer! Bidding starts at €9,000 but this one will run.
Well if you liked that one, how about this next item. It’s the writing desk of Erwin Rommel and a leather waste basket, from his mansion in Herlingen. Along with those comes a leather writing case and leather-bound notepad with ‘DR’ embossed monogram. Wooden utensil box, the lid veneered with root wood, leather desk pad with inlaid blotting paper, wooden ink blotter and a pair of wooden bookends. The items were sold by Lucie, Erwin’s widow, to a solicitor, in 1955. Bidding starts at €12,500. ■