Marinus Schmidt actually did everything right: The 22-year-old trainee from Neukeferloh brought a beautiful chest to “Bares zu Rares” that came from a good friend of his late grandmother.
In any case, Detlev Kümmel reacted with great enthusiasm. He explains the construction of the casket, which is similar to a sarcophagus and has brass and mother-of-pearl decorations on the outside. “That alone is very time-consuming – and that’s just the beginning,” the expert praises the object.
But inside it gets even better. When opened, the chest turns out to be a sewing box with individually removable drawers and compartments. “Someone has invested an incredible amount of time and effort here,” enthuses Kümmel. The lovingly crafted object was created around 1870, and different types of wood were used. Mahogany was used on the outside, explains the expert from Lüdenscheid. Inside, on the other hand, there is a variety of materials: ebony, yew, walnut, rosewood – “and we also have rosewood”.
Horst Lichter pricked up his ears: “Palisander gives me chills,” says the moderator. Detlev Kümmel now explains why: Due to excessive deforestation in tropical countries, rosewood was completely removed from the market and it is no longer allowed to trade with it. It requires express approval. “That can no longer be done via an expert, but you have to go to the office for it.”
That means: Marinus Schmidt does not get a dealer card from Horst Lichter. He still wants to know what the casket would be worth if there was a permit. With the necessary papers, Kümmel estimates the box at 800 to 1000 euros.
“I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t sell it,” says Schmidt afterwards. But there may be a reunion at “Bares for Rares”: He definitely wants to get the special permit and then consider whether he will come again. Then maybe even with a restored case.
Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library
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