Petra Voigt and Johannes Mehl brought something intriguing to "Bares für Rares": an untouched 1960s sock vending machine. The dynamic duo from Hilchenbach near Siegen inherited this gem from their textile business-owning parents, who had passed down the family business for three generations.
Detlev Kümmel is captivated by the item and refers to it as a "complete bundle": the machine, its keys, the installation and operation manuals, an information sheet, and even some spare parts - everything is included. Kümmel demonstrates how the machine works, and he couldn't hide his enthusiasm, declaring, "It was a visual feast." Kümmel identifies the manufacturer as Helios-Automaten from Baden-Baden. Johannes Mehl explains the pristine condition of the machine as being due to its never being used and spending decades in the basement.
"Bares für Rares": Dealers go wild
Petra and Johannes aim to sell their vintage treasure for 750 euros, which Detlev Kümmel agrees with, estimating the value between 600 and 800 euros. But the excitement doesn't stop there. As soon as the sock machine is revealed in the dealer's room, the atmosphere changes. "At last!", Markus Wildhagen cries out, "I've been waiting for this for years." A crowd quickly gathers around the device, and everyone plays with it.
"You're making all of us happy," says Wildhagen to Petra and Johannes, as they enter the dealer's room. Susanne Steiger corrects him, saying, "You're making me happy too," and Esther Ollick also shows interest.
Jan Čížek starts the auction at 100 euros. But the bidding war begins just as quickly. All five dealers join in, competing fiercely and blowing past the estimated value. Even hitting the four-digit mark: the sock machine is finally sold for 1600 euros, with Markus Wildhagen purchasing it for that price.
"Crazy", Petra and Johannes remark afterwards, beaming with joy at the profit. "That really turns your mood around."
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Petra and Johannes were initially hoping to sell their vintage sock vending machine for 750 euros, but the auction result surpassed their expectations. The massive 1600-euro profit had them declaring, "Nothing puts a smile on your face like the value of rare items!"
As the auction for their 'Cash for Rare' sock machine was about to begin, Markus Wildhagen's anticipation couldn't be contained, as he exclaimed, "I've been waiting for this for years!"
Additional insights:
The value of vintage items has been on the rise in recent years, driven by a resurgence of interest in collectibles and the influence of reality TV shows on collectible markets. If you're looking for an accurate estimate of the value of a 1960s sock vending machine, you may consider checking recent auction results or consulting with an expert in vintage vending machines[1].
