Von Trier is keeping the German theme. But here are some ‘interesting’ items they are auctioning off

Lainey Seyler
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Patrons of East Side bar Von Trier have gone through a lot of ups and downs since the owners announced last August that they were planning to convert the German-themed bar into a midcentury-style cocktail lounge and then changed their minds.

After a freshening of the interior, Von Trier bar reopens Friday afternoon at N. Farwell and E. North avenues, its German theme intact.

The German-theme is here to stay, but some things have to go.

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Von Trier is auctioning off items through Gerlach Cos. Inc., out of Hartland, to help pay for the renovation. Aside from the epic wrought-iron and antler chandelier, there are a lot of things up for grabs, and some of them are weird. Here are some of the most interesting items.

German cuckoo clock

Ornately carved German cuckoo clock

Current bid $800

This German cuckoo clock is an ode to hunting (the boar below is being chased by hunting dogs and a raptor watches from above). Karl Lotharius, Von Trier's original owner, was German and many of the collectibles like this were his. 

Von Trier is selling this bobcat mounted on driftwood via auction.

Bobcat mount on driftwood

Current bid $1.25

Another Von Trier original, this bobcat was a gift from a friend who shot and mounted the bobcat and gave it to Lotharius. If you miss out on the bobcat bidding, you can try for a coyote mounted on driftwood. There are also a duck, a squirrel and a hawk-pheasant combo.

Von Trier is selling this collectible cannon that doubles as a cigarette lighter.

Cannon cigarette lighter

Current bid $8.50

Who needs matches when you could light your cigarette with a cannon? This lighter came with the bar when owners John and Cindy Sidoff bought it in 2009. 

Von Trier is selling some plastic gnomes in an auction through Gerlach Cos. Inc.

Large plastic gnome fisherman, missing pole

Current bid $1.25

Von Trier is selling six gnomes, which were at the bar when the Sidoffs bought it in 2009. This gnome is 20 inches tall and is posed with a fresh catch of rainbow trout. Unfortunately, its fishing pole has been lost. 

Von Trier is auctioning off this 1950s telephone booth through Gerlach Cos. Inc.

Vintage wooden telephone booth

Current bid $65

The original 1950s telephone booth has been at the bar since the Sidoffs took over. The booth comes with a coin-operated phone for when your cellphone won't work.

Lovers of Von Trier and other collectors have until March 27 to bid.