Hermann’s gang of four
Three of four militaria auctions from European house Hermann Historica are happening just as the digital edition of The Armourer goes on sale. There are antique and modern firearms on the
24th Nov, pre-1918 orders and collectables on the 25th and post-1919 orders and collectables on the 26th. So let’s start with the auction on the 25th and a porcelain box with a Napoleon motif, c. 1815. This is coloured, glazed porcelain, partially goldplated, silver-plated frame, with a hinged lid. On the lid is a portrait of Napoleon in profile and in uniform.. Bidding starts at €1,200.
Sticking with the French, here’s an M1856 helmet and M1855 cuirass of the Carabiniers de la Garde. The M1856 helmet has a tombak skull, a gilt, raised comb and a red horsehair crest. It has a nickel-silver emblem with an appliquéd, flaming grenade. Start bidding at €5,000.
Now for some cut and slash with an 1820 hussar’s sabre. This has a fluted, slightly curved blade on the back, gilded inscription difficult to read on both sides as well as etched and gilded on the obverse side. It has the owner's name on the reverse side with the name of victorious French battles from the Napoleonic wars. Starting price is €2,200.
A nice-looking piece of headgear now with a shako for Naval Artillery crews from the reign of Carlo Felie, King of Sardinia 1821-1831. This has a tall, stiff body covered with black felt, lid (brittle), band and peak of black lacquered leather, the brass trimmed peak with embossed surface modelled after Napoleonic shakos. Very rare, early shako in exceptionally good condition so unsurprisingly the bidding kicks off at €5,000.
If you want more than just a hat, how about an entire uniform for an office of the Japanese Imperial Navy, Meiji-Showa period. This features a visor cap with lid made of dark blue woollen cloth, fine white linen cover, black lacquered visor, golden embroidered anchor emblem for officers. In addition, a white cotton jacket with gold anchor buttons and white trousers. Also, a worn dagger for naval officers, blotchy blade, plastic handle, longer leather sheath with gold-plated fittings, length 42cm, dagger sheath made of white silk cloth. Bidding gets going at €710.
A very rare item now with a Russian M1827 uniform of an officer of the Company of the Palace Grenadiers, from the first half of the 19th century. It has a black-green tunic with scarlet collar and cuffs. The special gilt lace of real silver reflecting the privileged status of this palace guard. The bidding will start at €8,000.
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