Hermann Historica’s auction bonanza
There were no fewer than four separate auctions running at Hermann Historica in May so let’s start with the Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918.
First up, we have an Order of the Crown of Westphalia, a knight’s decoration c. 1810-1813. Made from silver, the crown enamelled in blue, surmounted on one side by a shield ‘HN’ (Hieronymus Napoleon = Jerome Napoleon, King of Westphalia) between a rampant horse and lion, above it an eagle in fine relief on a snake ring. A rare, early decoration, it went for €1,900 (add 25% BP).
Next we have an Order of the Legion of Honour, a cross for officers, 2nd Empire. Detailed crafted order cross made of 14 carat gold with golden medallions enamelled blue at the edge, with the Napoleon profile and the Imperial eagle. White enamel cross arms, green enamel wreath. Movable crown clasp with stone embellishment made of coloured enamel. Red silk ribbon for officers. Slightly damaged in place. It hammered for €440.
This is quite a fancy badge, dated to 1917, it’s a General k.u.k Airman’s Badge. Made from non-ferrous metal, gilded and coloured enamel with a riveted, dark patinated eagle in the middle, the double coat of arms below, the cartouche ‘K’ for Emperor Karl above it. A vertical wire needle on the back. Worn, with enamel chips. This went for €2,300.
However, if you want something really fancy then this Spanish Grand Cross of Naval Merit would fit the bill. On August
3, 1866, Queen Isabella II
established the Order of
Naval Merit in four classes. The breast star con distintivo blanco is a luxury example of the star to the grand cross, awarded to Generals,
Admirals, or civilian personnel of equivalent rank. The white decoration was awarded for distinguished service during missions or extraordinary service in the armed forces or in connection with defense of the country. The full-size star is made from gilded silver and is marked on the needle accordingly. The star is encrusted with sapphires instead of the normal white and blue enamel work. This hammered for €4,600. The last one from this auction
is a Congressional Medal of
Honor to
Brigadier General Edmund Rice for gallantry at Gettysburg in 1863. For his bravery shown in fighting off the frontal assault of the Confederate troops known as Pickett’s Charge, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor, which, however, was not awarded to him until 1891. It hammered for €8,600. To the next auction then, and Fine Antique and Modern Firearms. Let’s start with a fancy looking Persian flintlock blunderbuss from the 19th century. Featuring a round barrel with a funnel-shaped extension at the muzzle with two nickel silver barrel bands with floral nielloing. Figured maple stock with rich brass, bone and black horn inlays in the buttstock and lock area. This went for €1,600. Another nice-looking gun, this is a golddamascened Indian percussion pistol, c. 1850. Round, slightly constricted, blued barrel with a six-groove bore in 16mm calibre. Barrel, tang, frame and furniture richly decorated with gold inlaid tendrils. Length 37.5cm. It sold for €2,800. Next, a fine, cased Scottish double-barelled percussion gun by John Dickson & Son of Edinburgh, c. 1850. The percussion locks lightly engraved with game and decorative tendrils. The half stock beautifully grained with en-suite engraved iron furniture. Holds a wide range of accessories composed of cleaning rod/ ramrod, screw-top jars for patches and percussion caps, a patch punch, various tools, three double powder measures in brass, plus a powder flask and shot bag. It hammered for €2,500.
Here’s a chucky looking flintlock pistol, probably Liege, c. 1800, with four barrels. Featuring round cam barrels with smooth bores in 10.5mm calibre. Slightly carved, finely chequered butt made of walnut with decorative silver nails. Hammer price was €1,600.
Finally, a Mauser C96, fixed sight conehammer with matching stock. Calibre 7.63mm, Mauser, Serial Number '10534', matching numbers, including grip panels. Made c. 1897. A very rare collector’s item in very good condition. Hammered for €4,400. We’ll cover the other two auctions from Hermann Historica next month.
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