Historical weapons, medals and militaria have long been the specialty of German auction house Hermann Historica, as well as selected antique arts. Both will be on offer in this year's online only auction, with which Hermann Historica closes out the auction year.
From 7-11 December, Hermann Historica will present a new online auction every day. It all starts on 7 December with the 'Art and Crafts, Antiques' offer, which is as wide-ranging as it is usual.
Here is a lively dining scene executed in oil on canvas, which, according to a note on the back, is attributed to the Dutch painter Salomon Koninck (1609-1656) and is offered for a starting price of €3,500.
No less detailed is a tapestry that was made in Flanders around 1700 and for which at least €5,000 is requested. Different species of birds cavort in a paradisiacal garden, which is entwined with a border of grapevines.
Also worth mentioning is a Gothic Madonna, which was carved from oak around 1500 by an artist from the Lower Rhine and is partially gilded. The type corresponds to the mourning Madonna, the so-called Mater Dolorosa. The starting price for this extraordinary work of art is €4,500.
This glass Koro with deep blue overlay joins the offer from the Far East, which is decorated with a lotus leaf relief all around. At least €2,000 is required for the beautiful piece with the Chien Lung mark.
The auction 'Ancient weapons and armour from all over the world' will follow on 8 December. It begins in the Far East, more precisely in Japan, where this Shitogi Tachi with an engraved chrysanthemum decoration was made in 1867, with a starting price of €2,500.
Another edged weapon in the offer is around 500 years older and has a starting price of €1,400. This is a knightly sword that was shaped by a German blacksmith around 1350 and decorated with a large disc pommel.
This round shield from around 1580 is also the work of a German blacksmith. It not only has a protective function, but is also very decorative with its tendrils, cartouches and warrior figures. With its moderate starting price of €800, it will certainly attract many bidders.
Because of his admiration for the knightly armour of the Middle Ages, a collector had this pot helmet made in the style of the 13th century. For the massive piece with slits and breathing holes, at least €1,000 must be offered.
On 9 December, 'Firearms from five centuries' will be on the programme. One of the highlights here is a pair of flintlock pistols from around 1760, whose manufacturer, gunsmith Joseph Prolich from Bamberg, signed the flintlocks. The bidding starts here at €1,400.
A wheel lock rifle with a stag horn shaft, which was made in the historicist era, is also of great interest. An engraved wheel lock from around 1720 was used as a spoiler, so to speak. To call this extraordinary piece your own, the bids start at €3,800.
10 December is all about the 'International Orders & Military-Historical Collectables' auction. Here is an order of the crown of Italy with a burst star and cross of a grand officer comes up, which was awarded around 1940. The order was donated in 1868 by King Victor Emmanuel II in memory of the unification of Italy. At least 350 euros are now required for this copy.
This complete uniform ensemble for staff officers of the Imperial Japanese Army also dates from the time of the Second World War. Even the right case is included, making it worth at least €1,500 to a collector.
The auction series ends with the auction 'German Contemporary History - Orders and Militaria from 1919' on 11 December.
Pre-viewing at the auction house in Grasbrunn near Munich is possible from 2-5 December.
