The conversation revolves around an antique snuff box brought in by a guest, Natasha, who is looking to sell it. Detlef, an expert, examines the box and determines it's from Augsburg, made of silver with a porcelain insert, and features intricate paintings. He estimates its value to be between €4,500 to €5,000. The box is then put up for bidding, with the price starting at €2,000 and eventually reaching €4,500. The guest is overjoyed and thanks the expert for his help, revealing that she had initially thought the box was worth only €150.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The owner of an antique object, Natasha, had a desired price of 150 euros for it.
2. The object is a snuff box made of porcelain.
3. The snuff box has a gilded interior and a pine cone-shaped clasp.
4. The object is from Augsburg, a city known for its silversmiths.
5. The hallmark on the object indicates it was made before 1735.
6. The snuff box features a battle scene and a scene of a young gentleman giving a gift to an older lady.
7. The object is in excellent condition, with only a few small flaws.
8. The expertise of Detlef Himmel, a expert in antiques, valued the object at 4500-5000 euros.
9. The object was sold at an auction, with the final bid reaching 4500 euros.
10. The buyer was Julian Hartung.
11. Natasha, the owner, was extremely happy with the sale and thanked Detlef for his expertise.