Spring Auction of Hermann Historica oHG

Munich – This year's Spring Auction at Hermann Historica oHG in Munich will open on April 18th with the usual wide range of high quality objects from all eras and originating from all over the world, including three complete collections. Until April 29, more than 6,200 collector's pieces, from all specialist areas represented by the auction house will come under the hammer – antiquities, arms and armor, works of art, hunting antiques, orders, and collectibles from all fields of history and military history.

Fine antique and modern firearms

This spring sees another exclusive selection of antique firearms, for example a wheellock puffer, probably produced circa 1580 in Augsburg. The ornate walnut full stock is embellished with engraved and blackened bone. The decoration of dainty flower tendrils with acanthus leaf borders and braided décor is enchanting. By contrast, the wheellock rifle (Tschinke) from Cieszyn circa 1650, adorned with brass and green colored bone inlays and chiseled brass furniture with floral engravings, is expected to be an auction favorite.

A wheellock puffer with rich bone inlays, probably Augsburg, circa 1580.

The pistol cases in the Spring Auction boast rarity and quality that are otherwise difficult to obtain on the market. Among the highlights in this section are a pair of deluxe percussion pistols made by the skilful hands of the renowned gunsmith J. C. A. Brun of Paris, circa 1840.

A pair of percussion pistols, Lebeda, Prague, circa 1850, cased.

A pair of deluxe percussion pistols, Brun, Paris, circa 1840, cased.

Among the modern arms section is the excellent collection of 'Parabellum' pistols put together by the collector and specialist author, Joop van de Kant. Comprising 620 lots, the collection unites the most interesting pistols from different periods and from all around the world. One showpiece is a much sought-after Borchardt C93. The self-loading pistol, one of a numbered series of only 1,100 that were manufactured by Loewe, comes complete with its matching shoulder stock and carrying case. Produced in Germany circa 1896, bids from 20,000 euros are welcome for the calibre 7.65 mm Borchardt firearm.

A Borchardt C 93, manufactured by Loewe, in its case.

Salesman case with Parabellum Mauser, Stoeger (3-lines), no. 473v, ca. 1931.

Pieces are also available in the collection of Prussian firearms, ranging from the flintlock weapons of the infantry, the cavalry and the light infantry (Jäger) forces from the reign of Frederick the Great, to rare pieces dating from the New Prussian period, right through to the needle-fire era. A true rarity that has never yet been offered for sale on the market, the needle-fire gun for the Prussian cadet corps, reworked from a Defensionsbüchse (Nassau model).

Bows and crossbows

The Nuremberg specialist and enthusiast Karl Zeilinger (1944 - 2014) – an archer par excellence – built up his unrivaled collection of bows, crossbows and superbly crafted archer's rings over several decades. Throughout his life, the globetrotter, for whom Korea became a second home, rendered outstanding services to the research and preservation of archery traditions, particularly Asian archery and bow making. Hermann Historica has now been granted the great honor of offering this unique collection of approximately 200 lots to collectors and museums around the world. Among them are sensational artifacts, like a legendary Scythian bow, offered for auction from 9,000 euros complete with a fragment of a quiver.

A Scythian bow Equestrian nomadic settlement area, 5th - 3rd century B.C.

Late-Gothic crossbow with horn prod, tiller covered in bone inlays, German, 1500.

Arms and Armor

Elaborately crafted rarities include a splendid selection of crossbows, like the high-quality Renaissance crossbow from the Collection of the Royal House of Hanover, dating from the end of the 16th century, embellished with engraved bone inlays and a rich ornamentation of scrollwork, fruit festoons and mythical creatures.

Hand pavise from the Free Imperial City of Schongau in Bavaria, late 15th century.

A German close helmet with tall comb and two-piece pivoted visor, circa 1600.

Sino-Tibetan ritual khora + gilt presentation scabbard, 15th/16th + 18th/19th cent.

Military history and historical objects

The military history and historical objects catalog unveils a group of significant edged weapons, including a presentation sword that was given to General Emanuele Pugliese (1874 - 1967) circa 1920 by the Jewish community of Italy in honor of his outstanding services.