gogotomica

gogotomica

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Winter Flohmarkt - Hamburg Messe

Wolfgang (of Goodies Old Toys) informed that there will be a Winter Flohmarkt (Flea Market) on Sunday when I visited his shop the day before. He will be there to hunt for his prey. I told him not to buy all the toy cars otherwise I would be empty handed if I were to go there. So the next day, I wake up early and took a taxi to Hamburg Messe hoping for a big haul. I been to Hamburg Messe in 2008 as I participated in the SMM, the largest Marine exhibition in the world (as we all believe), as an exhibitor. I know that Winter Flohmarkt will take up 3 small halls and has around 400 stalls. It's bigger than any flea market I went so far. Admission is not free as admission is 3.50 Euro.

The difference between this Winter Flohmarkt and ours in Singapore is that there are really old stuff available there. Ours is more of a swap meet for toys and other newer collectibles, hardly old stuff to buy. There are different stalls for old furniture, toys, porcelain, junks etc.

There are stalls like the one shown above which sell mainly toy cars but their prices are hardly a bargain. You will have to be alert for stalls which sells general stuff as they might have toy cars as well. You could get them at a better price compared to stalls specialised in toy cars.

We have such stall all over in China Square which sells figurine. Singapore is a figurine collectors market, not really a paradise for toy car collectors.

I saw some pistols which looked like they are from the late 19th or early 20th century. Pawn it or sell it? Ha... watch too much of Pawn Stars.

I bought 2 of these replica signboard. I felt weird that I bought one for DKW Motorcycle and one for Martini, nothing about cars at all.

I saw this vintage looking doll in pram and it has just been bought by a lady. I took a quick snap at the doll before she left. She must be really glad with her purchase as she was laughing and chatting away with the seller before leaving. To be honest, the doll looked nice but a little scary.

There are many other toy cars all over the flea market. Here are some photos of the stalls with toy cars. I took them so that you can do a virtual hunting here. These are the pictures my friends are waiting for as they seriously hope to be there after I showed them what I had bought.

Matchbox, Siku and many others.

I thought these will be a bargain as they are chucked in a corner. I asked the seller for the Siku 911 (but I am more interested in the red car, Tekno?, and other cars in the lot) as an reference for his price range. He told me it is 20 Euro so I give up asking for other cars.

Some play worn toy cars but nothing interest me here. There are more beneath the box but I choose to pass as well.

I bought some cars in this stall. 3 Siku of the 60s & 70s here and they are the best buy of the day although they cost a little more. See the clear plastic case on the left?

I bought 2 cars here as well, a Matchbox (60s) and a Majorette (early 70s). Almost pass for the 2 cars because I misunderstood the seller asking for 7 Euro but later his wife (I assumed) told that it's 2 Euro and not 7.

I wanted a few Siku here but I heard a customer asking for the blue Ford GT and it is 20. I passed.

These are too "huge" for my collection.

Matchbox is not in my shopping list unless they are 2 Euro or I wanted the model so much. I was looking for Siku and Schuco instead. Schuco are really much scarce comparing to Siku. I had a fruitful day as I counted 30 cars purchased at the flea market when I reach my hotel. I will show you some of my haul in Germany in the next post. Keep watching.




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