“Very believing and humble. But nicely done,” says Horst Lichter to the group of figures in the “Bares for Rares” expert room. Inge and Eberhardt Weigt brought the work of art into the show. He received it as a gift from his aunt in the 1970s. It shows two figures, a man and a woman, praying.

Expert Colmar Schulte-Goltz knows that the cast zinc figures are based on a famous painting by the French painter Jean-François Millet. The picture was taken in the 1850s. The figures were created by the German artist Max Arthur Waagen. The group is titled “L’Angélus” and refers to a prayer performed three times a day.

The couple would like 400 to 500 euros for the work of art. “I can celebrate her for her realism,” the expert confirms this wish. “That’s exactly my price.”

In the dealer room it is initially less knowledgeable. “These are Dutch women,” speculates Julian Schmitz-Avila when he sees the group of figures. Elke Velten-Tönnies and Esther Ollick also believe they are discovering clogs. But Steve Mandel enlightens his colleagues: “It was the sabots in France,” says the 69-year-old. And starts with the short presentation: “When jobs were lost due to industrialization, people put clogs in machines. Hence the term sabotage.” His colleagues are listening intently and have learned something new. “Steviepedia,” says Mandel proudly.

This offers the “Bares for Rares” editorial team the unique opportunity to play the Beastie Boys hit “Sabotage” while the sellers enter the room. Schmitz-Avila offers 250 euros to start with. A lively competition develops, in which the other colleagues also take part.

In the end, Mandel was awarded the contract for 500 euros. This is the maximum estimate. The Weigts are happy.

Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library

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