Hermann Historica – Collection of Oded and Tsipora Shermister
6 December LIVE AUCTION
www.hermann-historica.com

GRASBRUNN & MUNICH, GERMANY — An exceptional collection of nearly 400 fine Oriental arms will be auctioned on December 6 at Hermann Historica. This collection showcases master craftsmanship and rare pieces, sure to captivate enthusiasts of historical art and antique arms.

If you think that Hermann Historica is resting on its laurels after the triumph of the November auction, you are mistaken. Once again, the auction house is delighted to be able to present yet another fabulous collection. At 10 am on December 6 the famous collection belonging to Oded and Tsipora Shermister of Tel Aviv will come under the hammer in a live auction.

The internationally acclaimed collection comprises just under 400 unrivalled fine Oriental arms, amassed with the utmost care and attesting to the couple’s considerable expertise. From connoisseurs of superlative gold and silver-mounted weapons of courtly provenance to those preferring simple ethnographic pieces made by the tribes of Southeast Asia, art lovers and antique weapon collectors will be in seventh heaven. Of outstanding quality, the collection includes scores of rare and incomparable arms that are virtually impossible to find on the market.

First up, produced during the second half of the Eighteenth Century, a deluxe miquelet rifle from Algeria (lot 10079) deserves a special mention. Resplendent in red are the sparkling coral cabochons on the cock and two table-cut gemstones on the front. The masterpiece was made for the Algerian court. During the Ottoman rule, weapons of this kind were presented to western delegations by the Dey of Algiers as gifts of state. Bids from €10,000 are now invited for this magnificent firearm.

Another rare piece from India showcases the finest craftsmanship. Just the grip of the exceptionally opulent ayda katti (lot 10168), is made of over 18K gold. Its catalog price of €8,000 will soon be consigned to history.

Next up, the particularly fine kastane, (lot number 10215), has also all but disappeared from the market. However, a bid of €10,000 will secure this magnum opus, a special type of sword from Sri Lanka, dating approximately from 1800. The typical, short, slightly curved blade is embellished on both sides with floral, delicately chased gold mounts. The unusually ornate knuckle-bow hilt, with its fully sculptured dragon’s heads and the gilt silver scabbard, enhances the exclusiveness of the piece.

Hermann Historica continues the veritable parade of highlights with a daisho in handachi mounting (lot 10390) that was forged and signed by the bladesmith Tomomitsu during the late Edo period. This pair of traditional Japanese swords consists of a wakizashi (short sword) and a katana (long sword), both wrought with superior craftsmanship. Offers from €4,500 are now welcome.

All other masterpieces and showstoppers are illustrated in Hermann Historica’s high-quality catalog, a printed version of which is also available. Pre-sale bids can be submitted for all objects online. Moreover, buyers can inspect the lots in person during the pre-sale viewing in the auction rooms from November 28-30 and December 4-5.

Hermann Historica is at Bretonischer Ring 3. For further information, www.hermann-historica.com.