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Bares für Rares Halts Suspected Forgery as High-Value Deal Closes With Partial Payment

An expert's finding that a 'Gladenbeck' sculpture was zinc prompted Horst Lichter to stop the transaction.

Overview

  • Expert Bianca Berding identified a rider-and-horse sculpture as zinc despite a Gladenbeck & Sohn signature, and because the foundry cast only in bronze, Horst Lichter halted the sale and declined to issue a dealer card.
  • In a separate negotiation, Daniel Meyer bought Karl‑Heinz Krause’s 1968 “Großer Torso” for €9,500 but, short on cash, paid €2,500 on the spot with the remainder to follow by bank transfer.
  • A sapphire-and-diamond ring drew a €3,000–3,500 valuation from Heide Rezepa‑Zabel—far below the sellers’ €12,000 goal—citing market changes since a 1990s certificate, and the owners chose not to sell.
  • A 1950s Robot Royal camera sold only after Julian Schmitz‑Avila lifted his offer to €400, prompting Fabian Kahl’s dry remark that not every dealer is a good dealer.
  • Four Japanese tin toys estimated at €400–550 nearly went unsold until Schmitz‑Avila added €20 to a €300 bid to close at €320 as the disappointed sellers prepared to leave.