Estate of Count Felix von Luckner – Bust and Imperial War Flag
This ensemble is a rare testimony to the life and legacy of the famous naval officer Felix Nikolaus Alexander Georg Count von Luckner (1881 Dresden – 1966 Malmö) and his deep connection to the city of Halle. 1. Expressive Zinc Bust on Mineral Base: A powerfully modeled portrait bust of Count von Luckner, depicting him with distinctive features, deeply set eyes, and a pronounced brow. The surface shows an authentic age patina. The sculptor remains unknown; only two examples of this bust are known to exist—one held in the City Archive of Halle (Saale), and the other being the present piece. Good condition according to age, with small damage to the base, 40.5 × 19.5 × 24 cm (H×W×D), weight 12.7 kg. 2. Historic Imperial War Flag: Cotton fabric with an integrated fastening cord. According to the consignor, the flag originates from the estate of the Count’s mother in Halle (Saale) and is said to have come from his legendary auxiliary cruiser S.M.S. Seeadler of the First World War. Good age-appropriate condition, with minor moth damage. 70 × 120 cm (H×W). 3. Two Original Exhibition Cards: Included are two original postcards/invitation cards from the special exhibition “Felix Graf von Luckner – Seeteufel, Weltreisender, Gentleman” (“Felix Count von Luckner – Sea Devil, World Traveler, Gentleman”), held in 1998 at the City Museum of Halle (Saale). The cards feature a portrait of the Count and the Seeadler, each printed with his facsimile signature “Dein Seeteufel Graf Luckner.”
Inspection recommended. Felix Graf von Luckner, a Saxon officer’s son, gained worldwide fame as commander of the sailing auxiliary cruiser S.M.S. Seeadler during World War I. Between 1916 and 1917, he captured numerous enemy merchant ships in the Atlantic and Pacific. His legendary reputation as the “Sea Devil” was founded on his naval skill, courage, and chivalrous conduct toward his opponents—always avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. After the war, Luckner became a successful author and lecturer, devoted to international understanding. His greatest and most heroic deed, however, came at the end of World War II in his adopted home of Halle. In April 1945, as the U.S. Army stood before the city and threatened its complete destruction if it resisted, the 64-year-old Count volunteered to act as negotiator. Owing to his high standing with the Americans—earned through his humane conduct in World War I—he was ideally suited for this mission. Together with other brave citizens such as Major (a.D.) Karl Huhold, he crossed the front lines and successfully negotiated the peaceful surrender of Halle. Through his personal courage and diplomatic skill, he persuaded the U.S. command of the futility of bombing the city, thereby preventing its destruction and saving thousands of lives. For the city of Halle (Saale), where parts of his estate are preserved, Count von Luckner remains to this day a figure of exceptional importance—a lasting symbol of bravery, humanity, and reconciliation among nations.
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