Regisseur Wolfgang: Unser Händler rückt Filmklappe von Fellini ins Rampenlicht | Bares für Rares
A Cinematic Treasure at Bares für Rares: Original Film Clappers from Fellini’s Circle Transformed into Art
In a recent episode of Bares für Rares, film history came to life when Reimund Beulen stepped onto the set with a pair of seemingly ordinary items that turned out to be anything but — two original film clappers with a direct connection to Italian cinema legend Federico Fellini.
The clappers once belonged to Gideon Bachmann, a film critic, documentarian, and close associate of Fellini. Bachmann, who founded the magazine Cinemars, was deeply embedded in the European film scene. Although not a household name, his legacy resonates in cinephile circles — and in this case, in a rare and valuable find.
Expert Wolfgang Pauritsch immediately recognized the film clappers’ cinematic significance. One was a classic black-and-white model used in feature films, and the other appeared to have been used in shorter formats. Despite their utilitarian design, these clappers were rare industrial relics not usually available on the open market.
Wolfgang estimated their combined value between €500 and €600 — a fair projection considering their provenance. Bidding escalated quickly among the dealers, with the final hammer price landing at exactly €500. “This is a kind of deal I’ve never done before,” Wolfgang said with excitement, already envisioning how to honor their historical value.
But that was just the beginning.
Wolfgang brought the clappers to his trusted creative team — Adrian, Johann Siegwart, and Petra Huber — with a bold vision: to transform the items into a framed collage worthy of the great Fellini.
The team, who’ve collaborated for over 25 years, sprang into action. They designed a layout featuring the clappers, film titles like La Dolce Vita, and printed strips reminiscent of old film reels.
Petra carefully mounted the elements with acid-free glue, while Johann constructed a solid frame with precision-cut wood. To soften the stark white background, Petra added a gentle grey wash, and touches of red and gold leaf were later applied by hand — infusing the piece with vintage flair.
Adrian then installed a glass pane with elegant black spacers, giving the piece depth and sophistication. Finally, the two clappers were mounted and secured in place. The result: a one-of-a-kind tribute to Italian cinema, shimmering with artistic and historical value.
Wolfgang beamed with pride: “I paid €500 for the clappers, and with €300 for the framing, I’m in at €800. I plan to offer it for twice that. Fellini himself would be proud!”
This wasn’t just a transaction — it was a celebration of film heritage, brought back to life in an elegant and lasting form. As Wolfgang held up the finished piece, the verdict was clear: a standing ovation was in order.
