The dealers of “Bares for Rares” reacted euphorically when they saw the old Symphonion. Moderator Horst Lichter was initially more interested in the saleswoman’s pets.
“I’m 100 percent sure that I brought a rarity with me”: Cathleen Sonnenberg is convinced of the good piece that she brought to “Bares für Rares”. She would like to bring a more than 100-year-old Symphonion to the public on the ZDF junk show. The jukebox was owned by her grandmother.
But Horst Lichter is even more interested in the private life of the 37-year-old than this music chest: She has seven pets, says the tax clerk from Hanau, three cats and four dwarf rabbits, all of which run around freely at home. “You see me very surprised!” exclaims the moderator.
But then it’s about the Symphonion. Sven Deutschmanek knows that around 1900 there was a huge music factory industry in the Leipzig area, which is why he estimates that this piece was created between 1903 and 1905. A total of 39 perforated plates belong to the chest, which are clamped in it and music is played via a gear wheel generate. The box was probably in bars or cafés and could be used for money, making it something like the forerunner of the jukebox, the expert explains.
“Bares for Rares”: euphoria in the dealer room
There is a coin slot on the side, and a sign next to it: “Attempts to get the machine to play other than by inserting a 5-pfennig piece will be prosecuted.”
Sonnenberg wants 2500 euros for the good piece. Sven Deutschmanek’s expertise confirms it: he appraises the Symphonion at between 2,000 and 2,500 euros. But will the seller also get the money?
The first reactions in the dealer room are effusive. “You put us in a really good mood,” Walter “Waldi” Lehnertz greets the saleswoman. “It won’t be cheap, but it’s a hammer part.”
He follows up his full-bodied words with deeds: Instead of the usual 80 euros, Waldi starts with 1500 euros – and also keeps the last word. “Engelchen, can we come together with 3300 euros?” He asks Cathleen Sonnenberg. It has far exceeded its desired price and is accordingly satisfied. So in the end everyone is happy.
Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library
