"Dealer of Uncommon Items Crushed"

In a thrilling auction at "Bares für Rares," a unique piece of jazz history was sold for a significant sum. The Louis Armstrong commemorative folder, published by Merlin Verlag (Hamburg) in a limited edition of 200 copies, fetched a high price, reflecting the enduring appeal of the legendary jazz trumpeter and singer.

The folder, which is edition 171, corresponds to Louis Armstrong's death year of 1971, was created in commemoration of his fifth death anniversary in 1976. It contains ten graphics and ten long-playing records, featuring music from the time of 1956 to 1960.

The folder work features lithographs and engravings created by later artists, and Bianca Berding, an expert, confirmed that it was created in dialogue with Armstrong's legacy. One of the graphics showcases a Louis Armstrong portrait by German graphic artist Horst Antes, and a drawing by Dieter Roth is also included. However, the artist who created the graphics and music in the folder remains unidentified in the available search results.

The bidding for the commemorative folder started at 500 euros, but the top estimate of expert Bianca Berding was quickly reached. The bidding was intense, with several enthusiasts vying for the piece. Wolfgang Pauritsch, Julian Schmitz-Avila, Elke Velten, and Anaisio Guedes were among the bidders.

Elke Velten, who paid 3,000 euros for a 750 gold clutch from France dated between 1910 and 1920, was the last rival in the bidding for the Louis Armstrong commemorative folder. However, it was Anaisio Guedes who eventually won the bid, offering 1,600 euros for the prized folder.

The sale of the Louis Armstrong commemorative folder underscores the enduring appeal of the jazz legend and the continued fascination with his work. Armstrong significantly advanced jazz in his career and brought solo interpretation to the forefront, making him an exceptional artist whose legacy continues to inspire.

Horst Lichter, the dealer who discovered the folder in the estate of a seller's grandparents, fell in love with the piece, describing it as a folder containing graphics and music dedicated to an exceptional artist. For collectors and fans of jazz, the Louis Armstrong commemorative folder is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of a jazz giant.