As we've reported, Hermann Historica is holding a series of auctions starting from today (October 24) including edged weapons, antique firearms and 20th century German memorabilia. The section of militaria proper arguably comprises the most interesting objects.

In the anniversary year of King Ludwig II (1845 – 1886) there is of course plenty of memorabilia from the Bavarian royal family, such as a diamond-set King Ludwig II ring, which was a present to a renowned Munich citizen – the ring is offered for bidding at 5,000 Euros.

A beautifully worked bracelet in the shape of a snake, set with diamonds, was given to Ludwig’s II mother, Queen Marie, by her newly-wed niece Elisabeth, Empress of Austria.

Snake bracelet belonging to Queen Marie

This splendid partly-enamelled item is introduced at 10,000 Euros. A starting price of 15,000 Euros has been decided on for a very early golden repeater watch with chain and case, dating from circa 1820/30, from the possessions of King Maximilian II (1811 – 1864).

The watch is proven to have been inherited by Ludwig II and to have been worn by him.

For at least 10,000 Euros two Russian objects can be won. Very rare and of museum quality, the important porcelain lithophane was probably manufactured in the Imperial Porcelain Factory St. Petersburg in about 1840.

At the same starting price an embroidered Breast Star of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky will be introduced.

Presentation sabre from Turkish Sultan Mahmud II to Otto I of Greece

Highly sought-after is also representative military headgear: A striking ensemble of an officer’s fur busby and a parade attila for a lieutenant of the Brunswick Hussar Regiment is offered at 7,500 Euros; a very rare opulent helmet M 1852 of the Bavarian Hartschiere Life Guards is up for sale at 8,000 Euros, and the personal admiral’s cap of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este is expected to fetch at least 4,500 Euros.

This section of the auction series takes place on October 27, in Munich.