Souvenir Shopping in Europe: Steven C’s Report

Fellow collector Steven C. also traveled to Europe and added a few buildings to his ever-growing collection. “My wife and I did almost the same trip about 18 months ago and had the same discovery that most of the buildings offered are resin. We did not do Germany, but did the other 3 countries. Above is a picture of what we found in gift shops, antique shops, and flea markets. I usually don't buy resin, but I did buy one of Schonbrunn in Vienna. On the front row, the Egyptian ashtray I found at the Escheri Flea Market (thanks to Bob Curtiss recommendation) in Budapest along with the 3 Russian buildings on the back row (large silver metal and 2 glass ones). The St. Stephen's Basilica from Budapest is sandstone. The next 3 are St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna - the first plastic sold in the bookstore of the cathedral and the other 2 metal found at street vendors. Then the resin Schonbrunn Palace from Vienna. On the back row, the first 5 are all metal - the first 2 are the Petrine Hill obs tower (Prague's Eiffel Tower), the next one is the Astronomical Clock from Prague, and then 2 versions of Budapest's Liberty Statue (only saw these at one high end gift shop right across from St Stephen's). Next are the 3 Russian pieces and then one we got for our son in Amsterdam on our layover flying home.” – Steve C.