Looking to add to your aviation memorabilia collection? Or start one? The German government is selling off Air Berlin’s entire stock after the carrier went bust in October, $700 million in debt.
Aeroplane seats, drinks trolleys, blankets, life jackets, branded chocolates and even branded cars are among the 849 pieces available in the February 2-ending auction at German auction house Dechow.
Bids are over $6,000 on this Boeing 737 model
Air Berlin had been Germany’s second largest carrier, behind Lufthansa. Years of losses had seen it announce insolvency in August, before touching down for the last time in October.
Buyers have the choice of business or standard class seats to bid on. Several pairs of business seats already have prices of more than $2,500 after the first hours of bidding, with standard class seats up to around $2,000.
Air Berlin-branded, heart-shaped Lindt chocolates are also proving popular. Boxes of 100 are trading for around $60.
Lifejackets too have been receiving several bids, with prices of up to $100, while defibrillators are at around $350.
Drinks trolleys are proving a real hit at more than $1,000.
Business class seats are proving more popular than those from economy
A large scale-model of a Boeing 737 is the most valuable of the lots, trading for $7,370 at time of writing.
The auction house told the Daily Mail newspaper: “We are very content. The rush on the first day has surprised us.”
The early prices are a reminder of the popularity of commercial aviation memorabilia with collectors. Pieces from before the second world are particularly coveted. 1930s flight-used ceramic plates from celebrated carriers such as Pan Am can sell for up to $1,000.
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