“Very impressive,” says Horst Lichter of the magnificent horse that is in the “Bares for Rares” studio. It belongs to the spouses Sonja and Andreas Breuer from Schœneck in France. Her grandfather used to be a steward at a stud farm and used to do harness racing for the owner. He received the horse as a trophy.
More information about the work of art comes from the expert: The horse is a bronze, explains Friederike Werner. It has a beautiful sound, is hollow and yet heavy. Werner has words of praise for the design, she praises the great clarity and simplicity. The work was designed in 1948 by Helmut Diller, the son of the sculptor Fritz Diller.
The couple would like 1500 for the horse. The expert goes one step further: she thinks a price of 2000 to 2500 euros is possible. And indeed: the plastic is very popular in the dealership. David Suppes raves about the “extraordinary performance” and says: “It just looks majestic.”
Steve Mandel brings the “very nice patina” into play and begins the first pun of the afternoon: “Patina is also called patina, which of course suits this noble steed.” It shouldn’t be the only joke: Mandel started the auction “at a gallop” with 500 euros.
That makes school. Other dealers now feel compelled to joke. When he gets out at 2700 euros, Wolfgang Pauritsch says: “I’ll let go of the reins.” David Suppes is awarded the contract and promises: “It will be in a good stable.” Pauritsch goes one better: “Now the horse has run away with both of us.” That’s probably true.
It is only right for the sellers: They have exceeded the desired price and the expertise. “We’re happy,” says Sonja Breuer.
Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library
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