The appraisal revealed a value ten times higher than expected. Many participants in the German programme “Bares für Rares” arrive without knowing that they are hiding real treasures. This was the case for Dirk Freiherr von Kleist-Buchholz, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from Hamburg, who brought an old brooch that had been kept in a drawer for years to the set. ‘It’s too precious for this,’ said the man, determined to find someone who would value it for what it was worth.
He sold a family brooch for £500, but it was worth 10 times more: the twist
Expert Wendela Horz quickly identified the jewel as a unique piece: a brooch in the shape of a sprig, decorated with leaves and flowers, dating from before 1850. ‘It must have come from aristocratic circles,’ she said, classifying it as ‘court jewellery’, according to Stern. The provenance was confirmed by the seller himself: it belongs to his wife’s aristocratic family.
The brooch amazed with its details. ‘It is really covered with Dutch rose-cut diamonds,’ Horz pointed out, counting about 100 stones with a total weight of about 10 carats. Despite its age, it was in ‘good condition’.
The man was asking €500 for the jewel, unaware of its true value. The appraisal revealed a figure ten times higher: €5,000. ‘I’m very happy that it found a good home,’ commented presenter Horst Lichter.
The auction was lively. Jan Čížek opened with £1,000, followed by Anaisio Guedes with £2,000. Susanne Steiger, determined from the outset, reached the final bid of £4,000. She kept her promise and paid in cash. Dirk Freiherr von Kleist-Buchholz returned to Hamburg happy with his unexpected fortune.
