Almost exactly ten years ago, on August 3, 2013, “Bares for Rares” was first broadcast. Nobody would have thought back then that it would become one of the big hits on German television. Almost coyly, the debut took place on the special interest channel ZDFneo, new episodes were initially only available once a week.
Even people in his own environment would have advised him against the show: “Horst, you’re not a junk uncle,” he was told, reported Lichter in the special program that ZDF was broadcasting this Sunday (10:15 a.m.) on the occasion of the tenth anniversary. Not without pride, Horst Lichter points out how often he can now be seen on television: he boasts that there are 230 daily programs, plus special formats such as “Händlerstücke” and “Favorite Pieces” as well as several evening shows.
In around 100 minutes, Lichter takes viewers on a journey back in time and presents some of the most memorable exhibits that made it into the junk show. Experts and traders remember and contribute anecdotes. We see different categories, in addition to standards such as jewellery, paintings, works of art, cars and advertising posters, there are also oddities to be seen: for example antique medical devices, which from today’s perspective look like instruments of torture, or wicked erotica. There’s even a dedicated section devoted to Lichter’s shenanigans. And there have been quite a few of those over the years.
It’s a good-natured, light-hearted throwback to 10 good years. But the best thing is seeing old friends again, such as the unforgettable Ludwig “Lucki” Hofmaier. Or the many hairstyles by Fabian Kahl. “Who is that beautiful woman from the 1920s?” Sven Deutschmanek blasphemes when looking at old scenes, only to answer himself: “Oh, that’s Fabian Kahl!” Dealer Lisa Nüdling can hardly stop laughing – and many viewers should feel the same way.
He is often asked what the secret of the success of “Bares for Rares” is, says Lichter towards the end of the show. And gives the direct answer: “It’s very simple: sometimes it’s a comedy, sometimes a tragedy, sometimes it’s a thriller, but it’s always one thing: honest and real.” And the moderator emphasizes one more thing: “We treat our salespeople with courtesy, friendliness and respect.”
This anniversary show has also become just as respectful. And when Susanne Steiger asks her colleague Wolfgang Pauritsch whether the two of them will still be at “Bares for Rares” in 10 years, you immediately believe the answer: “No, in 25 years.”
“10 Years of Cash for Rares – The Special” runs on Sunday, August 13, from 10:15 a.m. on ZDF. The program is already available in the ZDF media library.
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