At Bares für Rares there are always surprising finds to marvel at – but this time an object is going under the hammer that is unparalleled in the junk show: What at first glance is a beautiful collector’s item, holds a deadly secret. The expert explains what material it is and why it’s better not to get too close to it. The whole story can be found here.
This rare object is poisonous green – in the truest sense of the word
Hard to believe: This inconspicuous object hides a deadly secret! When the father-daughter duo of the Appelius family appeared full of anticipation in the Bares für Rares episode on August 8, 2024, no one could have guessed what they were about to hear: Their seemingly harmless object is in fact highly poisonous.
At first glance, this danger is not apparent at all: the pretty collector’s item is an antique collection of glass prints that show erotic motifs from Greek mythology. Everything about the “Sensual pleasures”as expert Wendela Horz describes it. The suggestive motifs even come from a renowned artist from the 18th century and are therefore extremely rare.
ZDF
The beautiful green background may be pleasing, but you shouldn’t get too close to it.
But then came the shock: Wendela Horz explained that a highly toxic material was used. The green paper on which the glass prints are presented contains the poison arsenic. The beautifully bright color is deadly, according to the expert: “So you shouldn’t touch it and then touch your face, your mouth, etc.” She makes it clear that the material is not something to be taken lightly:
There were many deaths before people even realized how toxic this paint is.
Dad Thomas and his daughter look at each other uncertainly. Neither of them knew beforehand that the object they had brought with them was so dangerous.
Poisonous but valuable: Dream bids are raining down in the dealer room
Expert Wendela Horz naturally wore gloves during the examination. These precautionary measures also extend to the sale. Father and daughter do not carry the poisonous object into the dealer’s room themselves; instead, a team of experts takes care of the transport.
The highly toxic rarity is surprisingly well received by dealers: No wonder – the glass prints were sold at incredible prices due to their great age. 1,000 euros In the end, the collection changed hands for 650 euros. Auctioneer Wolfang Paurtisch secured the erotic motifs. Father and daughter are satisfied: “We can definitely go out to eat with that money.”
TV & Streaming: How can I watch Cash for Rares?
The junk show is a real long-running hit on TV. Cash for Rares runs Monday to Friday at 3:05 p.m. The episodes can be streamed free of charge in the ZDF media library.