142nd Auction

Numerous media outlets had already reported in advance about the 142nd auction at Historia, in which the second part of the estate of Pierre Brice, the actor who portrayed Winnetou, was put up for auction. After the overwhelming success of the first part in 2015, it was expected that the response this time would also be significant. The hall was well-filled from the start, and a large number of dedicated fans stayed on until after midnight, when the final gavel sealed the last bid.

But let’s take it step by step. First, the classical art and antiques auction took place, successfully kicking off the new auction year with a lot-related success rate of over 60% and some surprising bids. For example, the usually lucrative porcelain category saw €10,000 granted for a Meissen monkey band, followed by a KPM lidded tureen from the green table service for Frederick II, which was raised from a limit of €2,000 to €7,500. Two Meissen show services were each sold to a bidder from the Far East for €3,300.

In the silver category, the Flensburg silversmith Robbe & Berking succeeded with two silver cutlery sets, which were sold for €6,000 and €5,500. Among the wall and table clocks, a horizontal clock from the early 18th century particularly caught the collectors' attention, eventually fetching €3,000. The French Art Deco sculptor Jean Lormier, working in the style of Chiparus, saw his elegant chryselephantine figure go to the USA for €5,500. A Madonna Immaculata surrounded by cherubs from the 17th century achieved €3,900. Among the nearly 200 items in the Asian art section, a small collection of three Chinese paintings stood out, initially limited to €160, but eventually sold for €5,500 to a bidder from China. A Viennese collector paid €5,500 for a large so-called bone ship. A small and early view of Munich by Johann Baptist Isenring, showing the Sendling district around 1820, went to Bavaria for €3,000, confirming the trend that art objects often return to their homeland.

However, the biggest surprises came from the nearly 800 lots from Pierre Brice's estate, which auctioneer Michael Lehrberger had curated together with the actor's widow. The catalog for each lot included its corresponding story, which was further enriched during the auction with personal anecdotes. In addition to the numerous bidders who traveled specifically for the event, several hundred bidders participated live from their home screens and phones. The usual rate of about 120 lots per hour was halved due to the bidding battles, so the event did not conclude until late at night. The most eagerly awaited items were film props and awards. The Golden Bravo Otto from 1971 was awarded to a collector for €13,000 after a fierce battle, while a Berliner secured the Golden Bambi from 1966 for €7,000. Other awards included the 1964 Bravo Otto, still in coin form back then, and the Karl May Prize "Scharlih, " both of which were sold for €3,300. Authentic Native American jewelry in the form of a turquoise breastplate changed hands for €4,800. A beautifully preserved Persian tile from the 18th century, which Pierre Brice received as a gift from a high-ranking Persian family, fetched €4,200 from a private collector. A rare Cartier pen engraved with Pierre Brice's initials sold for €3,000. It is not widely known that the actor dabbled in painting in his spare time, which made the prices achieved by his personal, mostly small-format works all the more surprising. A fan paid €2,200 for a postcard-sized watercolor. Around 1 a.m., his followers took their last chance to acquire a personal item of their idol, a red Hermès bathrobe.

The next auction will have to take place without Pierre Brice in early April, but collectors will once again get their money's worth. Submissions are requested by February 22.

The "Charity" category, Lot Nos. 8500 - 8535, has been canceled and will not be called until summer 2019.

Your team at the Historia Auction House.