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Ornate Von Trier antler chandelier up for sale in auction

Posted at 5:41 PM, Mar 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-20 13:08:05-04

It's without a doubt Cyril Colnik's famous antler and wrought iron chandelier is what's getting the most attention at Von Trier Tavern's auction.

The chandelier is worth an estimated $135,00 due to its famous Milwaukee creator's talents and the fixture's former home at the Pabst Mansion. 

Local art collector Jim Ollrogge says he'd happily take it off tavern owner John Sidoff's hands. But Ollrogge does have friend's at the Pabst Mansion and says he'd happily back off if they're able to buy it. 

"I'm always looking. Exactly what I would do with it, I don't know. But, it'd be fun to own it," said Ollrogge. 

Sidoff says he spent at least $100,000 in bar renovations to keep the customers coming in. He says he has no intention of selling the bar. Therefore, it's not smart business for him to give the chandelier away, but he's not against making a deal with the museum.

However you put it, while he's not dying to sell it, the chandelier has got to go.  

"If [the chandelier] allows this place to continue, that's really the most important thing," said Sidoff. 

March 19 is the first inspection day for the tavern's online auction. The event has brought out everybody, like former employee David Strimel.

Strimel worked with Von Trier's first owner,  Karl Lotharius, who wanted everything to be German. 

The inspection house is less than a block away, located in the strip mall up the street.  There are more than 600 lots being auctioned off. 
While the actual bidding will be online, buyers say they're happy to physically see and touch the items before the bidding wars begin.  

All the Von Trier memorabilia will be up for auction until Tuesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. Click here to see the full list of items.