A Gold-inlaid Ottoman Khanjar Realises 110,000 Euros at the Autumn Auction

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1 P R E S S R E L E A S E A Gold-inlaid Ottoman Khanjar Realises 110,000 Euros at the Autumn Auction Edged weapons from all regions and periods, together with memorabilia from renowned personalities dominated the successful 63 rd auction of the special auction house Hermann Historica ohg. Munich, 21 November 2011 Once again excellent results were achieved in all categories at Hermann Historica arms and armour, arts and crafts objects, hunting collectibles, orders, military objects and antiquities in the autumn sale. A total of approximately 3,500 selected collectors items were offered for bidding from 24 to 29 October. Orient A sensational 110,000 euros was realised for an Ottoman dagger with richly decorated blade from the 16 th century and an elaborate greenish-black nephrite grip which was attributed to the 18 th century. The gold-inlaid khanjar with ornamental tendrils was acknowledged as an extremely rare object. It had been modestly introduced at 4,000 euros, the numerous requests regarding lot number 2176, however, proved in advance that the assessment of the auction house was conservative. In the end a European collector won the bidding battle between museums, collectors and antiquities dealers from all over the world. The increased interest in oriental collectors items is not a new phenomenon, said Robert Weis, Head of Department Antique Arms and Armour at Hermann Historica, for several years the prices for rare and precious objects have taken hold at a very high level.

2 A tendency that was confirmed when further lots from the Ottoman cultural region were called up. The interest was similarly strong in a beautifully decorated ceremonial sabre in the Ottoman-European style, a present from the Turkish Sultan Mahmud II ( ) to King Otto I of Greece ( ). Preciously and elaborately crafted with firegilding, silver inlays and an ivory grip, the estimate for this unique and historically important weapon was set at 30,000 euros. It was not until reaching the significant sum of 43,000 euros that this weapon changed hands. In this case a museum had to acknowledge defeat against an international collector. Edged weapons set with corals and turquoises had been remarkably sought after in the last auctions as well. An Ottoman kilij from the mid-19 th century with the entire surface of the copper hilt set with turquoise cabochons and carved drop-shaped corals was introduced at 12,000 euros. The winning bid however was a pleasant 22,000 euros. Arms and armour A real collectors item was to be found among the edged weapons in the category of Antique Arms and Armour. Calling up the extraordinarily beautiful Central European medieval sword from the 13 th century, even the auctioneer was carried away with enthusiasm. Finely balanced, with a Christian inscription and an extremely rare pommel type, this outstanding example of medieval craftsmanship was bid up from 5,000 to 30,000 euros within minutes. Another very beautiful object in this chapter was a burgonet from Innsbruck, circa Decorated with finely etched floral ornaments and retaining the original linen lining, this helmet impressed with its excellent state of preservation. The audience agreed with this, thus this beautiful object was sold at its estimated price of 10,000 euros. Collection of edged weapons On 26 October an impressive collection of edged weapons including swords, rapiers and daggers was offered for bidding in an abundance and quality which could only derive from a royal armoury. The exclusive collection of a total of 58 extremely finely chiselled iron works from the possessions of a Spanish noble family was almost completely sold. To the real surprise of all a South European left-hand dagger was, with an estimate of 6,000,

3 worth 17,500 euros to its new owner. Equally pleasing were the results for a German rapier with gilt hilt from around 1580 that could be acquired at its starting price of 16,000 euros, as well as a uniquely finely chiselled Spanish cup-hilt rapier from For this rapier with fine floral openwork and engraved iron cup 12,500 euros starting price 8,000 euros had to be paid. Antiquities High-quality antique helmets in best condition were sought after as usual during this autumn sale. An outright rarity that came up for auction was the Roman legionary's helmet of the Montefortino/Buggenum type with cheekpieces from the 1 st century AD. Introduced at 28,000 euros the hammer only fell at a price of 38,000 euros for this object that impresses by its completeness and excellent condition. For its starting price of 10,000 euros the rare, precious and significant Roman gold ring of an officer of the Legio XI from the 2 nd /3 rd century AD found a new owner. On top of the heavy band it is set with a cameo made from yellowish layer agate surrounded by filigree beads that is decorated with the cut inscription 'LEG XI CL PF'. Emperor Claudius conferred the honorific title 'Claudia Pia Fidelis' dutiful and faithful to this legion. For 8,500 euros starting price 6,000 euros another piece of jewellery from the antique military was sold. The rare silver belt fittings of a Roman officer with decorative crosses prove that the fittings belonged to an early Christian in a high military position. Orders and militaria It was hardly even offered for bidding at a starting price of 18,000 euros when the Spanish Santiago jewellery decorated with diamonds and enamel from the 17 th century was bidden up to 44,000 euros. The Order of Santiago, this exemplar with aristocratic provenance, is the large Christian order of knights of the Iberian kingdoms. Formally institutionalised in 1170, it served to protect the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Among the offered Russian objects during this auction a St. George standard from the 1 st Sumsky hussar regiment from 1851 aroused notable interest. Made from linen and silk, with finest silver passement embroidery of the crowned Russian double-headed eagle above the date , this extremely rare standard was sold at more than the tenfold of its starting price of 3,000 euros that is for 36,000 euros.

4 Equally successfully sold was a richly illustrated photo album of a fighter pilot officer who served at the Western front in the First World War. The album was introduced at 3,500 euros. For this matchless historical documentation of a German fighter pilot s career during the First World War the hammer fell when reaching the sensational amount of 40,000 euros. The interest in memorabilia from the Bavarian royal family was as high as expected in this jubilee year. Especially objects from the personal possessions of King Ludwig II of Bavaria ( ) were highly south after. A splendid Jeanne d'arc seal, a present from the d'orléans family, was sold at auction for 21,000 euros, starting price 14,000 euros. The silver, partly gilt seal with malachite and enamel shows the cut mirror monogram L under the royal Bavarian crown with laurel wreath. For 20,000 euros each a personal seal ring with mystical secret signs made from gold, enamel and soapstone and a bronze casting of his right hand, which had been made in addition to a death mask, were sold. While the ring had been offered at a starting price of 14,000 euros, the casting of the hand was bidden up starting from 2,600 euros. Fine antique and modern firearms The variety of valuable firearms offered in this 63 rd auction was once again very extensive. A wheellock Puffer for enlisted men of the Saxon Electoral Guard, dated 1564, was much appreciated. The firearm engraved with the coat of arms of the sovereign was sold at the starting price of 9,500 euros. A finely decorated wheellock rifle from Suhl, 1 st half of the 17 th century, with a stock lavishly carved with hunting scenes, soldiers, trophies and tendrils, changed hands for 8,000 euros. 6,800 euros had to be paid for a pair of flintlock pistols crafted around 1660, from the workshop of the Strasbourg gunsmith Daniel Krauss. The collection of weapons of Prince Salm-Reifferscheidt from Dyck Castle is the proven provenance for these extraordinarily elegant and early flintlock pistols. Once again much-noticed top items were among the modern action firearms. A Holland & Holland doublebarrelled shotgun, Model Royal, in its case, in 12 2 ½ calibre, no , manufactured in 1959, was bidden up to 18,500 euros from a starting price of 9,000 euros after a

5 downright bidding battle. Equally successful was the auction sale of the Borchardt C 93, DWM-manufactured, Berlin, in its case, circa 1896, in 7.65 Borchardt calibre, no Matching numbers. For this weapon the hammer did not fall until reaching 16,000 euros, at a starting price of 9,500 euros. The winning bids of all sold lots can be found online on All prices are net prices and are to be understood plus 23 percent surcharge. Unsold objects can still be purchased. Copies permitted please send proof to: Further information and high-definition picture material: Maria Burdick Kommunikation und Marketing Elvirastraße 16 D München Tel.: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) m.burdick@burdick.de About Hermann Historica Hermann Historica ohg, Munich, is one of the world's leading auction houses in the following special areas: antique arms and armours, hunting collectibles, antiquities, orders as well as objects from history and military history. Founded as early as almost 50 years ago by Count Erich Klenau von Klenova, Baron von Janowitz in Nuremberg as an auction house for coins, from the very beginning also orders and decorations as well as objects of military history were put up to auction. In the early seventies the range of the auctions was broadened by the category of antique arms and armour. The wide range with its thoroughly researched and elaborately designed special catalogues was soon accepted by international collectors and museums. In 1982 the present owners renamed the auction house Hermann Historica ohg, and at least two auctions are conducted annually which address more than 30,000 clients worldwide. Particularly sensational are the numerous objects from the possessions of noble houses, notably those of the German and Austrian imperial family, which continue to attract international attention, as well as the auctions dispersing complete collections such as the sale of the hunting treasures of Castle Fuschl in Salzburg, the liquidation of the Nümbrecht Museum of Historical Technology, the worldwide biggest auctions of "Children s Dreams on Wheels", the pedal cars of the Centre of Extraordinary Museums in Munich as well as the sale of the Axel Guttmann Collection of Antique Arms and Armour.

6 Alle Fotos: Hermann Historica ohg 2011 A left-hand dagger. HH LotNo 2033 A gold-inlaid dagger. -Top winning bid- HH LotNo 2176 A present from the Turkish Sultan to Otto I. HH LotNo 2171 An etched burgonet, Innsbruck, circa HH LotNo 2254 A central European medieval sword. HH LotNo 2307 An etched circular shield circa HH LotNo 2252 A Roman legionary's helmet Montefortino/Buggenum type 1 st century AD. HH LotNo 1530 A seal of King Ludwig II. HH LotNo 2470 Santiago jewellery. HH LotNo 2346