The beloved German antiques show, Bares für Rares, celebrated the holiday season with its special Christmas episode on December 18, 2024, at the picturesque Schloss Drachenburg in Königswinter. This festive environment served as the perfect backdrop for sales, showcasing both extraordinary and quirky items brought forward by enthusiastic sellers.
Host Horst Lichter greeted participants with traditional warmth as they presented their unique treasures. Among these special guests was the well-known comedian Hugo Egon Balder, who attempted to sell a renowned photography book by Helmut Newton—an interesting piece with personal significance to him.
One standout item was brought by Marlies and her son, Igor Preuß, who made the trip from Leverkusen carrying a remarkable light object made of acrylic. This extraordinary piece, crafted by Cologne artist Karl Heinz Hargesheimer, had been residing with the Preuß family for over 30 years. Initially intended as eye-catching decor for the Aqua company at the Photokina exhibition, the object faced extinction; it was nearly thrown away when the firm relocated. Fortunately, Marlies’ husband intervened just in time, saving the unique light work from the refuse pile.
Upon its reveal during the broadcast, the light object—a meditation aid referred to as Meditationsmühle—captured both the expert appraisers' and dealers' attention. Sven Deutschmanek, one of the show's experts, indicated its rarity significantly boosted its value, appraising it between 1500 and 2500 euros. Marlies, filled with hope, had anticipated securing around 1000 euros for the treasure.
During the height of excitement, the negotiation process saw dealer Wolfgang Pauritsch and Walter Lehnertz engage vigorously over the light object. Lehnertz expressed surprise, stating, "So etwas haben wir wirklich noch nie gesehen!" ("We have truly never seen something like this before!"). This was not just standard banter; the enthusiasm and competitive spirit between the dealers added drama to the proceedings.
At the conclusion of lively bidding, Pauritsch emerged victorious, sealing the deal at the impressive price of 2100 euros. This dramatic turn solidified the afternoon as momentous for Marlies and Igor, who could hardly believe their luck. The sentiment was perfectly summed up with the expression, "Vor dem Müll gerettet und zu Gold gemacht" ("Saved from the trash and turned to gold"), highlighting the story of redemption and value found through the show.
The grandeur of the special Christmas episode drew viewers not just through the allure of remarkable antiques but also via its engaging and heartfelt narratives. This season, fittingly adorned with festive decor, promised to deliver more than mere antique prices—it offered personal stories and emotional connections to the past.
The Christmas special also showcases the essence of Bares für Rares—a tradition of appraising, trading, and celebrating the stories behind unique items. It gave audiences the good old thrill of the auction atmosphere encased within holiday cheer, with laughter and excitement filling the air. Viewers were treated to not just business transactions but meaningful exchanges, bonding over nostalgia and history.
No Christmas special would be complete without beloved antiques, and this event certainly did not disappoint. The episode was also graced by the presence of other renowned experts, including Dr. Bianca Berding, Wendela Horz, and Colmar Schulte-Goltz, each bringing their wealth of knowledge to assess various fascinating items presented for appraisal.
With all the festive activities, the show continued its legacy as one of Germany’s favorite cultural programs since its debut in 2013. It pairs the charm of treasure hunting with expert insights against gorgeous backdrops—a formula for success. This Christmas episode particularly highlights the joy of giving, sharing stories, and potentially transforming ordinary items 'from trash to treasure' during this beautiful season.
For fans eager to witness more heartwarming transactions such as these, Bares für Rares will continue to broadcast future episodes, promising more unique antiques and inspiring stories, all set against the tranquil ambiance of timeless German landscapes.
Catch the full episode or subsequent ones available for streaming on ZDFmediathek, where viewers can relive the magic of Bares für Rares anytime they wish.
