Julian Schmitz-Avila pricked up his ears: Autographs from his favorite club were for sale at “Bares for Rares”. In the bids, however, the 35-year-old faced strong competition.
“Bares for Rares” was about “real love” on Wednesday: the retired teacher Franz-Joseph Achterkamp brought a postcard from the Kaiserau sports school to Horst Lichter, which contained autographs from the Borussia Dortmund championship team from the 1955/56 season. Achterkamp collected them himself in 1955: he was staying with his school team at the spot school that summer when Borussia was preparing for the championship.”
It was a great season for BVB: it ended with the first championship in the club’s glorious history, and many more were to follow. The then young Franz-Joseph was in the right place at the right time – and got the signatures of the players. Expert Detlev Kümmel discovered, among other things, well-known names in fan circles such as Adi Preißler, Willi Burgsmüller or Alfred Niepieklo – who became the top scorer in the season and thus made a significant contribution to the success of the black and yellow.
When it comes to his desired price, Achterkamp is moderate: he would like to earn 70 euros. Because he has seven grandchildren and could then give everyone a tenner. The expertise is much more optimistic: Kümmel estimates the autograph card at 100 to 150 euros. “Very nice,” Lichter says happily, “there could also be 20 per grandchild. And at 150 another beer.”
“Bares for Rares” is about BVB
The 79-year-old goes to the dealership in good spirits. Above all, he is hoping for one thing: “If Julian Schmidt-Avila is there, I would be very happy because I heard that he is a Borussia Dortmund fan.”
His wish came true. The 35-year-old dealer fought a bidding war with Wolfgang Pauritsch and Walter “Waldi” Lehnertz, which pushed the price above the estimated value. Won the bid – how could it be otherwise? – Schmitz-Avila, who bought the autograph card for 170 euros. “I already have a lot from Borussia Dortmund because it’s known nationwide that I’m a big fan, so I have to buy it,” said the happy new owner.
And Franz-Joseph Achterkamp also goes home with a good feeling: He can give his seven grandchildren rich gifts.
Source: “Bares for Rares” in the ZDF media library
