Bernhard Weiß’s “pronounced passion for collecting” has given him an impressive collection of figurines. His wife Elke is less enthusiastic. And so the couple from Bruchköbel is in the “Bares for Rares” studio to part with two copies.
However, they are very well received by Horst Lichter: “Nice ladies, very artistic,” says the moderator when entering the studio. And assumes that they are goddesses.
Friederike Werner shares this assessment and then provides further facts about the two works of art, which originate from the Viennese Art Nouveau and were created around 1900. The expert identifies the Austrian sculptor as the artist, whose signature is also included on the figurines.
According to Werner, one of the characters is Erato, one of Apollo’s muses, responsible for love poetry. The second statue, on the other hand, is reminiscent of an ancient victory sow. Both complement each other. The expert interprets the ensemble as symbolizing the victory of harmony or the victory of love.
At the time, Bernhard Weiß paid 2,200 euros for the two figurines. He probably won’t get the money, he knows that. His pain limit is 1500 euros. Friederike Werner thinks this sum is possible: she estimates the value at 1400 to 1800 euros.
There is a big hello in the dealer’s room when Friedrich Häusser pulls up the ceiling and the two women appear. “Oh, là, là,” he exclaims, while Christian Vechtel and Susanne Steiger join in. But with a bid of 1150 euros, the dealers are already running out of breath. However, they are still a long way from the pain threshold of 1500 euros.
Vechtel does not want to pay that much, his pain threshold is 1400 euros. But then comes the saving angel in the person of Friedrich Häusser: The 69-year-old looses 100 euros more and offers Bernhard Weiß the desired amount. The seller happily accepts.
Two women have the last word in the matter: “What does your wife say when you come home with two women,” jokes Susanne Steiger towards the new owner. Elke Weiß is almost relieved: “I’m really glad that the figures are gone now,” says the saleswoman.
Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library
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