Bruce,
Winning bidder? heck no!
Actually this piece belonged to a good friend in Bavaria. I had wanted to try something after this style for some time, and sadly, Michael passed away before his time.
His collection it was promised would be kept together, but very sadly some of it came up for sale as you saw.
I can not judge the man that Michael left it to, and who promised nothing would go to auction. It cold have been due to death duties or other hidden expenses that some of the collection was sold, I don't know.
If I had had the money, it would have been wonderful to acquire the original.
I am still thinking of cutting the zig-zag patterns into the barrel, but it seems so "wild" even now, that I am still undecided!!
Any thought on this?
Thanks for your comments and best regards,
Richard.