[Micha Hofmann]

Today was the start of a huge ten day auction at Schloss Marienburg in Germany. The items auctioned are works of art an arms and armour of the royal house of Hanover.

Among the items that went over the block today where:

"One of the highlights of the Hanover Collections (circa 1510-1918) was the offering of extremely important arms and armour from the armoury of the Dukes of Brunswick- Lüneburg in Wolfenbüttel, on the market for the first time since they left the maker's workshop in the 16th Century. A Composite German fluted Field Armour, in the so-called 'Maximilian' fashion, circa 1520-1530, probably Brunswick (lot 276, estimated € 45,000 - 60,000) brought the enormous price of € 211,750 ($252,978). A Composite German fluted Field Armour, in the so-called 'Maximilian' fashion, circa 1520-1530, probably Brunswick (lot 273, estimated € 60,000 - 80,000) brought of € 205,700 ($245,750). A Fine and Important Composite German etched Half-Armour for field use, circa 1560-65 was ordered by Duke Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1528-1589), the most important ruler of the principality Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, (lot 284, estimated € 60,000-80,000) sold for € 90,750 ($108,419). The armour, which is etched with a scene of Daniel in the lion's den, has been documented in the inventory of the Dukes of Brunswick since the early 17th Century.

There was extraordinary interest in several rare two-handed swords formerly in the possession of the Body Guard of Duke Julius as well. A Brunswick State two-hand processional sword of the Guard of Julius, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg in Wolfenbüttel, N35, dated 1574 (lot 228) estimated at € 6,000 - 8,000, sold for € 33,880 ($40,476). A Brunswick State two-hand processional sword of the Guard of Julius, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg in Wolfenbüttel, N154, dated 1573 (lot 225) estimated at € 6,000 - 8,000, sold for € 31,460 ($37,585). A fine and rare Brunswick etched state two-hand processional sword, late 16th century (lot 231) estimated at € 6,000 - 7,000 sold for € 36,300 ($43,368)."

I just saw some brief shots of the armours on TV - wow!!! I wish I was richer...
Does anybody have some pictures of the auctioned Items ( or know what the ceremonial two-handers look like)?

PS: A link to the auction is here:
http://search.sothebys.com/jsps/live/event/Ev...t_id=27489
, but sadly there's not much of picture material or information.

EDIT: Found a few pics: