Worst case scenario at “Bares für Rares”: Cheated seller has to abandon the game

Gabriele Bottenberg once paid the proud price of 2,000 D-Marks for a real rarity, but unfortunately she fell victim to a fraud, as “Bares für Rares” expert Dr. Bianca Berding discovered.

Gabriele Bottenberg had a lamp built for her in the truest sense of the word. Years ago, the woman from Bad Honnef was ripped off for a whopping 2,000 German marks in a shop somewhere in northern Germany for a valuable antique, but in reality the lamp was a worthless fake. She was therefore very disappointed when she found out the truth from the expert Dr. Bianca Bering.

The experts from “Bares für Rares” explained to the dismayed lady that for over 30 years she had only been keeping a moderately well-made replica, one of whose signatures, by the French sculptor Charles Ruchot, was simply a fake. Unfortunately, the lamp, which was modelled on Art Nouveau, was a fraud.

Horst Lichter was unable to give the beleaguered saleswoman a dealer card, as he correctly explained, he was simply not allowed to do so. “I just feel so incredibly sorry for you,” were his sympathetic words.

Disappointed saleswoman is sent home

Since professionals are not allowed to deal in forgeries, even if they like the motif, Gabriele Bottenberg had to go home. “I'm really sad,” the former teacher summed up her disappointment. She hadn't expected to have come across a forgery, especially since she thought the signature was genuine. What a pity about the 2,000 D-Marks.

Things went much better in these cases. In the video you can find the most expensive pieces from “Bares für Rares”.

“Bares für Rares” is broadcast on weekdays at 3:05 p.m. on ZDF, with repeats broadcast by the ZDF Neo spin-off at 10:55 a.m. and 7:20 p.m. The concept has not changed to this day. People like Gabriele Bottenberg have their exhibits assessed by experts and then haggle over the price in the dealers' room. According to the rules, the prerequisite for going to Waldi and Co. is always the authenticity of the rarities.

Do you collect antiques or just junk? Test your knowledge in the “Bares für Rares” quiz:

Did you like “Worst Case in “Bares für Rares”: Cheated Saleswoman Has to Cancel”? Discuss with us about current cinema releases, your favorite series and films that you are eagerly awaiting – on Instagram and Facebook.