Very few people are likely to be familiar with a hypsometer. Horst Lichter initially considers this device to be “a small kitchen for outside,” as the “Bares für Rares” moderator says. “You’re a little right,” agrees expert Detlev Kümmel – and later explains what he means by that. But first let Heiko and Jeanine van Wensen from Springe introduce themselves. He is a technician at the Geographical Institute at the University of Hanover. The hypsometer lay there in the basement for decades. It’s too good for that, so the couple want to sell it to a lover.
But what actually is a hypsometer? The purpose of this is to set a binding amount, explains the expert. This example is a boiling barometer from the 1920s. That’s a problem, so Lichter was right in his observation. The question remains: How does the boiling barometer determine the altitude? To convey this, Kümmel takes a short excursion into physics: At normal pressure, boil water at 100 degrees. But the higher you are, the sooner the water boils. You can use the display on the thermometer to determine the altitude you are currently at.
The couple would like 100 euros for the hypsometer. Kümmel is inclined to double the value: he thinks 180 to 200 euros is possible. In the dealer’s room, people initially wonder what the item is. Daniel Meyer reveals the secret using the package insert. “We can always use an altimeter here. So we know how high we should bid,” jokes Meyer.
Julian Schmitz-Avila makes the “Waldi” and starts with 80 euros. While the bids are pouring in, seller Heiko van Wensen gets the hang of it and assembles the hypsometer correctly. He explains to the dealers how the device works. The listeners are amazed. “This is educational television,” praises Lisa Nüdling.
As a reward, those present continue to bid diligently, leaving the estimated value far behind. In the end, Wolfgang Pauritsch bought the hypsometer for 300 euros. “It’s very special,” says the Austrian happily. The sellers want to donate their proceeds to the Institute for Physical Geography at the University of Hanover.
Watch the video: “Cash for Rares”: Exciting and curious facts about the junk show on ZDF.
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