Two similar sets of six German silver breakfast knives from the Borussia zu Bonn Corps, with a printed volume of corps members and their biographies from 1821-1928, maker's marks illegible, circa 1900

One set inscribed with members names and their amorials, the other set initialled HW, steel blades

Ex-Collection of Baron Rücker Klitzing from the‘ Baron Vogt Haus‘ in Hamburg

Two knives with later stainless steel blades, owners names worn, some minor denting, otherwise good For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Borussia Zu Bonn corps was a fraternity for Prussian members of the University of Bonn. The Rhineland had become Prussian territory after the defeat of Napoleon and expulsion of the French. Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia founded the university and one of the knives bears the name and arms of his great grandson also called Friedrich Wilhelm (1880-1925).  Wilhelm II emperor of Germany was also a member of the Borussia zu Bonn as was Otto von Bismark's son Herbert. The latter was involved in bout of character building academic fencing with Arnold Nieberding (later secretary of state) and suffered a wound that refused to heal, leading to the banning of this sort of duel unless with capped foils. John Ross, Young Wilhelm, the Kaiser's early life, Cambridge University Press, 1998, p. 868