The two Blücher-class battlecruisers were sold for a mere 89 million Marks, leaving Vice Admiral Hipper somewhat dissatisfied. After all, the construction cost of a battlecruiser is slightly higher than that of a battleship of the same class. However, since those buyers were unwilling to offer more, there was little Vice Admiral Hipper could do—he couldn't possibly force them to raise their bids.
Nevertheless, Vice Admiral Hipper was confident that the bidding for the upcoming capital ships would be far more intense. After all, these next vessels were formidable battleships equipped with 343mm main guns, boasting significantly superior performance compared to the previously auctioned ships.
"General Anton Haus, proceed with full force in the next round. We failed to acquire any of the six battleships earlier. For the next twelve, we must spare no effort!" ordered Crown Prince Karl.
The previous battleships and battlecruisers had all been equipped with 305mm main guns, something Crown Prince Karl did not particularly care about. Naturally, acquiring them would have been ideal, but failing to do so was not a major concern. However, the battleships and battlecruisers armed with 343mm main guns were a different matter. He considered these ships essential for bolstering the Austro-Hungarian Navy's strength.
"Yes, Your Highness," Admiral Anton Haus replied with a nod. Having received explicit instructions from the Crown Prince, he knew precisely what needed to be done.
Other nations, too, were brimming with interest in the more powerful capital ships up for auction, ensuring a fiercer competition ahead.
"The next vessels up for auction are the Imperial Navy's Helgoland-class battleships. This class comprises four ships: Helgoland, Ostfriesland, Oldenburg, and East Prussia," Vice Admiral Hipper announced, detailing the ships' specifications.
"The starting price for the Helgoland-class battleships is 30 million Marks. The bidding for the lead ship, Helgoland, begins now!" declared Vice Admiral Hipper.
"Forty million Marks!" Admiral Anton Haus, the commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, was the first to place a bid, immediately raising the price by 5 million Marks.
"Forty-two million Marks!" countered the representative from the Republic of Chile. Although they had already secured two Nassau-class battleships earlier, they were still eager to gain a decisive edge over Brazil and Argentina. As for funding, Chile was unbothered. Given their close ties with Germany, they could opt for installment payments or settle the cost with resource exports. After all, Chile was rich in resources.
"Damn it!" cursed Crown Prince Karl, glaring fiercely at the Chilean representative.
His reaction unsettled the Chilean delegate, who was well aware of Austria-Hungary's status as a global power. Earning their enmity could spell serious trouble.
However, bids from Brazil and Argentina quickly followed, raising the price to 45 million Marks.
"Forty-eight million Marks!" Fatih Pasha from the Ottoman Empire entered the fray. The two Blücher-class battlecruisers they had acquired earlier were insufficient to meet their needs. The Ottoman Empire evidently sought to bolster its fleet with more powerful capital ships.
Crown Prince Karl, undeterred, signaled Admiral Haus to raise the bid again.
"Fifty million Marks!" Admiral Haus promptly declared.
Vice Admiral Hipper was overjoyed. Although the current price was still below the construction cost, it was already quite satisfactory. Moreover, the bidding showed no signs of slowing, promising further increases.
"Fifty-two million Marks!" Fatih Pasha raised the bid.
"Fifty-five million Marks!" The Chilean representative followed suit.
"Damn those scoundrels!" Crown Prince Karl's fury was palpable; he was so incensed he nearly ground his teeth to dust.
"Fifty-eight million Marks!" Admiral Haus, acting on the Crown Prince's orders, raised the bid yet again.
"Sixty million Marks!" Fatih Pasha considered briefly before bidding once more.
"Sixty-five million Marks!" The Chilean representative raised the bid yet again, though it was clear this would be their final offer. If the price went any higher, they would no longer compete.
In the end, Crown Prince Karl signaled Admiral Haus to withdraw. He doubted Chile had the financial resources to continue bidding on subsequent ships, which would alleviate their own pressure.
Brazil and Argentina, meanwhile, could do nothing but watch as Chile secured the formidable battleship, lacking the financial wherewithal to compete.
Ultimately, the Helgoland battleship was sold to the Republic of Chile for 65 million Marks.
Vice Admiral Hipper was elated. The construction cost of a Helgoland-class battleship was merely 60 million Marks. Selling an older ship for 65 million Marks resulted in a handsome profit of 5 million Marks—a highly lucrative deal.
The auction for the next ship, the Ostfriesland, was equally intense, mainly because Chile once again entered the competition with gusto. For a small country like Chile to compete with major powers like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire required not only substantial financial resources but also considerable courage.
Meanwhile, the representatives from Brazil and Argentina turned visibly green with envy. Chile's successive acquisitions of powerful battleships would grant its navy overwhelming superiority. Even a combined force from both nations would struggle against Chile's bolstered fleet.
Given Chile's advantageous geography, it could station minimal troops to block strategic mountain passes while leveraging its powerful navy to strike coastal cities. This strategic advantage made a strong navy crucial for Chile, and they were determined to acquire more warships to cement their dominance.
Amid fierce competition, the Ostfriesland battleship was sold for 67 million Marks, with the Ottoman Empire emerging as the buyer. This marked the third warship they had secured in the auction, significantly strengthening the Ottoman Navy. The Ottoman Empire was now poised to become a major naval power in the Mediterranean, second only to Germany and Austria-Hungary.