Hermann Historica celebrates their 100th auction on May 7-16

Grasbrunn, Germany - Hermann Historica, the historical auction house near Munich, is soon opening its doors for its prestigious Anniversary Auction. 100th Auction – 100 sell-out triumphs – the slogan says it all. And given the profusion of rare objects, the selection of fabulous collector's items and the quality of the individual artworks, the tagline hits the nail on the head.

As in the last live auction, this major auction is also taking place over two weeks. However, this time, the military history collectibles and the second part of the acclaimed Dave Delich collection are heading the parade of lots. The chapters of art and antiques, firearms, arms and armour will be coming under the hammer a week later, from 14 to 16 May. Buyers can place their bids in person in the salesroom, especially set up for the purpose, on the telephone or via one of the up to five bidding platforms.

Three days have been set aside for the orders and military history catalogue. The sale kicks off on Tuesday, 7 May with phenomenal decorations and remarkable military antiques in the form of swords, uniforms and porcelain, all pre-1918. Starting at 10 a.m., collectors can look forward to a roll call of almost 550 lots.

Standing head and shoulders above the rest is a magnificent Grand Cross set with Swords on the Ring and Diamonds of the Bulgarian Order of St. Alexander (lot number 4006). Complete with its presentation case, this set is the only surviving award of its kind in the world. The eight-rayed breast star is encrusted with old-cut diamonds, set à jour. The reverse is gilt and the pin stamped with the manufacturer "C. F. ZIMMERMANN HOFJUWELIER PFORZHEIM". Enameled in white and translucent red, the medallion is particularly appealing with exquisite old-cut diamonds and sumptuous diamond roses. Moreover, the crossed pair of swords is resplendent in gold. The superb order is 91.5 mm wide and weighs 74.4 g. Absolutely incomparable, the decoration may command its price, with a limit of 15,000 euros.

Bids from 4,500 euros are now invited for a unique, high-ranking item of headgear that once belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Descended from the Pahlavi dynasty, the ruler was the last Shah of Iran. Admirers will have the chance to acquire the visor cap in fine, khaki-coloured cloth that was worn by the Shah at state occasions in the 1950s and 1960s. The elegant design and distinctive insignia of the cap were reserved exclusively for the monarch. As lot number 4146, this piece of history will take pride of place in a new collection. 

He was one of the most important, most successful and best known American writers: Ernest Hemingway.

Hermann Historica will also present a letter written by him, dated 1954 and signed in his own hand (lot number 4232). The letter is composed of almost one and a half pages of typewritten text with Hemingway's occasional corrections in ink. After Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, he was interviewed by Time reporter Robert Manning, who went on to become publisher of "The Atlantic". In his letter, the author thanks Manning for the interview and comments on the NBC radio program "Meet Ernest Hemingway", broadcast on 19 December 1954, which is still available in full today. With a stream of amusing anecdotes and horror stories, his positively conversational tone reveals another side of the writer. Together with an antiquarian edition of the magazine "The Atlantic" of August 1965, in which the interview was first published, this piece of literary history is expected to fetch 4,000 euros.

Next up, lot 4326 is a weapon of historical significance. In its 100th Anniversary Auction, Hermann Historica is proud to offer for sale the sword of Oberst Sigismund von der Heyde. Measuring a formidable 99.6 cm, the sword was passed down over generations of his family. It comes with a letter from Gneisenau to a Major von der Heyde, dated 16 January 1824, which reads as follows (tr.) "From Hauptmann von der Heyde, who fell at the Battle of Brienne, I have been honoured with the sword that was wielded with such glory by Oberst von der Heyde. I am currently in possession of it but wish it to be returned to the family on my death". Two letters dated 5 November 1831 document the bequest of the sword to the von der Heyde family. This showstopping weapon may now be acquired for 4,000 euros.

Finally, you are cordially invited to inspect all objects in person beforehand at the offices of Hermann Historica in Grasbrunn, near Munich. The pre-sale viewing will take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CET) on 3, 4 and 6 May 2024, in the auction rooms at Am Bretonischen Ring 3 in Grasbrunn/Munich. All lots are illustrated in the high-quality catalogues, which can be found, free of charge, on the auction house's homepage.

Find our Auction overview with more than 4200 treasures - containing the Dave Delich Collection Auction and more …https://www.hermann-historica.de/en/auctions

_{*Please note: all prices quoted are net prices and do not include the 29,5 % premium (and VAT).}

Hermann Historica GmbH
Bretonischer Ring 3
85630 Grasbrunn / Munich
Registergericht Munich | Handelsregister HRB 72408
https://www.hermann-historica.de/