Big four at Hermann Historica
The four auctions at European auctioneer Hermann Historica have just concluded, with all unsold items going into the post-auction sale. They were the Antiquities, Poster Collection of Engelhardt, Antique Arms & Armour; Fine Antique and Modern Firearms;
Orders & Military Collectibles until 1918; and Orders & Military Collectibles from 1919 onwards. Some interesting items in the pre-1918 auction, so let’s start there with an Order of the Black Star.
This was the gilded version, with a white and blue enamelled Maltese cross. In the centre was a black enamelled five-pointed star, with green enamelled laurel wreath. It sold for €200. If you wanted to have some fun identifying medals then a lot containing 15 awards from the 19th/20th century would be ideal. The lot included Médaille Engage Volontaire 1870-1871, Medal Ministere de L'Interieur
1897, Verdun medal, War Merit Cross 1939 - 1945 etc. The haul sold for €300.
A spectacular item next, with a breast star to the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure, 2nd Class. Featuring a large silver breast star, on the reverse Japanese inscription, with pin system, the obverse enamelled in red, blue and white. In a lacquered case with inscription, lined with purple velvet and silk. A rare order, hence the sale price of €750
On to an interesting looking piece, an officer’s cross of the Order of St. Sava from Serbia. Gilded and enamelled the 1903-1915 mode with the saint in red robe, reverse year 1883. It sold for €200. Or, how about the Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir, 3rd class with swords. Gold-plated and whiteenamelled with a separately applied medallion on a triangular band, in Grade II condition. This one went for €212.50.
The next lot featured more ribbon than medal, though there were two awards included. It was a Grand Cross and a sash, with award case, for the Ouissam Alaouite Order. Featuring a silver breast star, with white and green enamel in the centre containing an Arabic inscription. In addition to this there was a five-pointed silver star, red, white and green enamelled on both sides. Also, an orange watered grosgrain ribbon as a sash. It sold for €512.50.
Let’s have a look at the auction that featured antique arms and armour now, starting with a dagger, Luristan, c. 1000BC. A bronze dagger with a double-edged blade. Minimal chipping on the edges. Intact. Beautiful patina. Length 36cm. From the estate of ED, Vienna. Acquired at the Dorotheum in 1992. Previously Durst Collection. It sold for €900. Something more fancy and a lot newer next. It’s Kinzal for the Kuban Cossacks, Russia, 1906. Featuring a double-edged blade with fullers on both sides with an etched base. Then. in Cyrillic script ‘K.K.B.’ (Kuban Cossack Army) and ‘Z.O.F.’ (Zlatoust weapons factory). Riveted horn grip scales. Leather-covered wooden scabbard in relief with florally nielloed locket and chape fittings made of gilded silver. Traces of a cloth underlay. Length 44cm. This sold for €2,000.
For armour types and the person who has everything, here’s some armour for your horse.
It’s a horse forehead, worked in several parts with rolled edges and finely flooded decoration. On the forehead a central rosette with a hexagonal spike, pierced by trefoils. Riveted ear protection and plume socket. It went for €2,875.
Lastly, who doesn’t love a Japanese katana blade, this one c. 1570. Higaki Yasurime, inscribed ‘Kanemoto’ with traces of corrosion. Tsuka covered with Same and bound with black silk. Sold for €1,250.
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