He was primarily known for his paintings, graphics and stained-glass works, but he also experimented with ceramics and designed mosaics.
Crodel died in 1973 and now parts of his collection have been put up for sale.
The more than 160 lots offered in the September 3-4 sale at Kendzia (16% buyer’s premium) all had moderate guides and while many of them were knocked down for three-figure prices, some dramatic price rises also emerged.
A phone bidder from Zurich fought long and hard with a local bidder in the room when it was the turn of a pair of 17th century rampant bronze lions from Flanders. The 12in (30cm) high figures, the work of a Flemish craftsman, were mounted in red marble bases and had an enticing guide of €1200. The bidding match continued until the bidder from Hamburg won the day at €30,000 (£25,640).
Corkscrew of character
International interest was generated for a small wooden nutmeg grater with the head of a monster at one end and figures of a harlequin, a musician and a dwarf, inlaid on the sides.
It was probably of Italian origin and could be dated to the middle of the 18th century. Bidding started at €360 and an English collector had to go to €2600 (£2220) before he shook off his south German competitor.
A further selection of Crodel lots will be offered by Kendzia in November.
