On 24 July 2025, auction number 105 organised by Hermann Historica took place. With over 950 collectors' items, ranging from antique and civilian firearms to service weapons, Hermann Historica run a very special auction. It was the first time that the auction house devoted an entire auction exclusively to antique, historical and modern firearms. Demand was extraordinarily high and there were real battles between the bidders, which led to considerable price increases.
At ten o'clock sharp, this special auction kicked off with a large selection of antique firearms. One of the first highlights was a wheel-lock arquebus with rich bone inlays dating back to the mid-17th century (lot no. 20). The polished and blackened bone and mother-of-pearl inlays depicting wild animals, hounds and mythical creatures covering the entire stock surface make this specimen a particularly fine piece. The starting price was therefore very high. Bids were accepted starting at 10,800 euros. The auctioneer's hammer fell at 11,500 euros.
Also particularly sought after was an early 18th century flintlock shooting axe (lot no. 70). This extraordinarily beautiful and elaborate combination weapon is embellished with a finely engraved blade in the muzzle area. A simple flintlock constitutes the base of this truly eccentric weapon. Stock and pommel are richly covered in bone and decorated all over with hunting motifs, scrollwork and grotesques. This truly unusual piece quadrupled its starting price of €2,500 and was therefore sold for €10,000.
This was followed by the second part of the sale, devoted to modern firearms. One of the highlights was a Borchardt C 93 in its original case (lot no. 1084), a collector's classic.
This historic pistol is considered to be one of the first semi-automatics with a magazine contained inside the grip and was a milestone in the history of modern pistols. The model with the original rich accessories was already the subject of high bids in advance, which is not surprising, as even on the international market it is difficult to find such a piece. From a starting price of € 9,800, bids reached as high as € 12,000.
A DWM 02 Luger Carbine (lot number 1087) with a matching numbered stock became the most expensive gun of the day after a heated battle between bidders. This elegant firearm, in which precision construction and technological refinement coexist, is a much sought-after item by collectors and historians alike. The original combination of gun and stock of this quality and with the same serial number is difficult to find today. This excellent piece, in excellent condition, has found a new owner for 23,000 euros.
But if predicting a high price for a pistol bearing the name of Georg Luger is fairly predictable, it was a little less so predicting fireworks for a Polish revolver. Indeed, the wave of interest in pistols manufactured in Poland in the last century continues, and they have been the 'hot topic' at Hermann Historica's latest auctions (see here to believe).
The Nagant NG 30 revolver (lot number 1463) for sale at auction number 105 was made at the Polish factory in Radom from 1928 to 1935, and is a slightly modified and lightened version of the famous Nagant M1895 model that was a Russian army sidearm. It is a magnificently constructed gun that had a very short service life and is therefore particularly rare.
Its presence in the Hermann Historica catalogue has aroused much interest among collectors. The starting price of 2,000 euros was quickly exceeded by this extraordinary revolver. Enthusiasts outbid each other and within a short time the final price of 10,000 euros was reached.
With lot 1698 we are back to Germany: we are talking about an 08 Pistol made by Krieghoff in 1936 for the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force. This rare piece convinced collectors thanks to its excellent condition and matching serial numbers. The piece went for €6,600, more than double the starting price of €2,800.
Those who would like to experience the excitement of the auction for a while longer and purchase rare items can browse the Hermann Historica's Post-Auction section. Until 7 September 2025, all unsold lots from this auction can be purchased at the starting price plus a commission. All information and catalogs are available at www.hermann-historica.com.
The buyer's premium amounts to 29,5 % of the hammer price. This includes the value added tax (VAT).
