Antique Nativity Set Inspires Festive Spirit and Musical Surprise on 'Bares für Rares'

In a recent episode of the popular German antiques show 'Bares für Rares', the festive atmosphere was heightened when an unusual historical nativity set with integrated musical features was brought to the dealers' table. The item, which combined a rotating Christmas tree stand with a built-in cylinder music box, not only captivated the panel of experts and dealers but also led to an unexpected musical moment.

The nativity set, believed to have been crafted between 1890 and 1910 by the manufacturer J. C. Eckhardt, showcased both craftsmanship and ingenuity. Its compact design, typical of the era, included a small opening for the Christmas tree and a mechanism to rotate the tree while playing classic Christmas melodies. The music box could play well-known tunes such as 'Silent Night' and 'O du Fröhliche', adding a nostalgic charm to the festive display.

The item was submitted by a seller who had received it as a gift from an acquaintance. Due to concerns from his family about its safety and suitability for modern use, he decided to find the piece a new home. The expert on the show highlighted the original winding key and praised the thoughtful engineering, noting that the item was generally well-preserved despite minor wear, including a missing shepherd's staff from one of the nativity figures.

During the segment, the item's musical capability inspired one of the dealers to take on the role of a 'Christmas DJ', operating the mechanism and creating a jovial atmosphere in the studio. This unexpected entertainment moment underlined the unique character of the piece and contributed to lively bidding among the show's dealers.

After a brief negotiation, the item was sold for 400 euros, a sum slightly below the expert's estimated value but accepted by the seller. The segment demonstrated not only the enduring appeal of traditional holiday decorations but also the added value of mechanical artistry in antique collectibles.

The episode also featured other notable items, including an early 20th-century Lavallière necklace, a 1960s ceramic vase by Bodo Mans, a landscape painting by Dutch artist H. D. Kruseman van Elten, and a distinctive brooch resembling a crushed beer can, created in 1982 by Ursula Haupenthal. Each item was evaluated for its historical significance, craftsmanship, and market value, with most achieving sales close to or above their initial estimates.

The show continues to attract viewers with its blend of expert appraisals, engaging backstories, and the occasional surprise, such as this musical nativity set that transformed a routine transaction into a memorable festive event.