Memories are the treasures we hold closest to our hearts; sometimes, a small object can bring them to life in the most powerful way. That’s the magic behind KLM’s iconic Delft Blue house collection, a tradition dating back to the 1950s. Each year, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines gifts its Business Class passengers on long-haul flights a stunning souvenir, a miniature of a traditional Dutch house, creating a global collection of priceless mementoes. Over time, these unique souvenirs have evolved into valuable collectables, with a number of pieces now fetching impressive prices on the secondary market.
The KLM House collection now includes 105 regular miniatures, 15 rare Limited Editions, and a number of Special releases that commemorate significant milestones. This article explores the growing value of these iconic Delft Blue miniatures and provides insights into the investment potential for collectors.
A Glimpse into the World of KLM Delft Blue Miniatures
Each house in the collection is meticulously designed to reflect a Dutch landmark, with many representing historic buildings across the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These miniature treasures are charming and rich in stories and cultural significance. From the majestic palaces, mansions and canal houses in Amsterdam to the quaint houses dotting the Dutch countryside, each miniature tells a tale of heritage and history.
KLM House Collection: A Profitable Investment for Collectors and Investors*
The KLM House collection is much more than a charming tradition—it has become a lucrative investment opportunity for collectors and even investors worldwide. Since its inception in the 1950s, KLM’s Delft Blue miniatures have captured the hearts of those who appreciate their beauty and historical significance. Over time, the collection has grown into a highly sought-after market, with many collectors not only preserving these iconic keepsakes but also watching their value rise significantly.
A Global Market of Passionate Collectors and Investors
Over the years, the KLM House collection has inspired passionate collectors, some of whom have spent decades curating their collections. What started as a gift for Business Class passengers has evolved into a global market for rare and limited-edition miniatures. These collectable pieces are now coveted by collectors, traders, and even investors who view them as valuable assets.
Professional traders and investors have found success by acquiring and reselling these miniatures, capitalising on their increasing market value. For the first time, we are now able to provide concrete insights into the price trends of the KLM House collection thanks to a comprehensive and independent survey conducted by MarkMedia & Art.
Independent Research and Market Insights
MarkMedia & Art has been conducting in-depth surveys on analyzing pricing trends of Limited Editions and KLM specials since 2015. Our latest survey, which took place in the autumn of 2024, included responses from approximately 160 collectors and professional traders. The methodology ensured precision by applying weighted calculations: major collectors’ data and professional traders’ prices carried more significance compared to smaller collectors or unfamiliar sources. By avoiding simple averaging, the study mitigated the influence of outliers and inflated valuations. To ensure robust insights, data was analysed only when information from at least ten credible contributors was available for a specific piece. Conducted biennially, the research reflected the realistic pace of market activity and established itself as a benchmark for collectors worldwide. An important factor to mention is that the price should ideally be based on the item being complete with its original box and accompanying card, as this can significantly affect its value. However, during our research, it was not always clear whether participants possessed these original components.
As such, while the average prices communicated in this article provide a valuable indication, they should be interpreted with some caution, as individual cases may vary depending on the completeness and condition of the item, as well as the dynamics of supply and demand at the time of purchase. Our research has provided valuable data on the market value of Limited Editions and Specials, revealing trends in both price increases and declines. It is nice to know that some insurance companies base the valuation of KLM collections on the findings of the KLM House Index.
Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting, these insights are invaluable for understanding the potential financial gains from owning KLM Limited Editions and special miniatures. It’s no longer just about collecting for the sake of nostalgia—these pieces are becoming serious investments that can be appreciated over time.
Price Trends: The Growth of KLM House Values
Thanks to the extensive research, we can now present a detailed graph showing the average price changes of KLM House miniatures from 2015/2016 through 2024. This data includes both professional traders’ market prices and the value determined by collectors, offering a clear view of how these miniatures have evolved in worth.
The chart highlights significant price increases in certain pieces, particularly Limited Editions and Special releases. Miniatures tied to key moments in Dutch history, royal events, or major anniversaries have seen the most dramatic price rises, making them highly desirable for collectors looking to profit from their investments.
The Profitability of Collecting KLM Limited Editions and Specials
The allure of collecting KLM miniatures is not just about acquiring beautiful objects—it’s also about the potential for financial gain. Many of the Limited Editions and Special releases have experienced remarkable increases in value, with some pieces now worth thousands of euros. For example, the Frans Hals Museum miniature is valued at 1.091 euros, while the Royal Palace Amsterdam 360° Edition has reached a staggering value of over 7,300 euros.
As the market for KLM miniatures continues to grow, there are plenty of opportunities for collectors to see their collections appreciated. Some collectors have seen returns on their investments that far exceed traditional forms of savings or even stock market investments.
Conclusion: An Investment with Lasting Value
The KLM House collection has evolved into a vibrant and profitable market, where Limited Editions and special miniatures are highly valued by both collectors and investors. Thanks to the independent research by MarkMedia & Art, collectors have reliable data to guide their investment decisions. With price trends showing consistent growth over the past decade, KLM miniatures are no longer just souvenirs—they are valuable assets that can deliver impressive returns.
For anyone looking to start a collection, expand an existing one, or even invest in a unique form of tangible wealth, the KLM House collection presents a rare and rewarding opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an aspiring one, here’s everything you need to know about the value of these iconic pieces.
What’s the Value of a normal KLM House issued in Business Class?
KLM annually releases approximately 850,000 Delft Blue miniatures, each filled with a 5 cl. of genever (Dutch gin). These houses are typically priced between 5 and 30 euros, depending on their rarity and demand. However, a house’s value can skyrocket depending on factors like its edition or whether it’s been issued as part of a special event or anniversary.
For example, house #100, a replica of the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch, was given to KLM employees to commemorate the airline’s 100th anniversary. While the regular miniature of House #100 might fetch 49 euros in our latest survey, the special employee edition, with a unique inscription on the back, can go for around 69 euros.
But the real treasures lie in the Limited Editions and Specials – miniatures that are far rarer and often tied to momentous occasions.
Rare Collectibles: Limited Editions & Special Releases
Some KLM miniatures are not available to the general public and are considered highly sought-after collector’s items. These Limited Editions are released in small quantities to commemorate significant events, such as royal anniversaries, cultural exhibitions, or KLM milestones. They tend to hold substantial value due to their exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Here are just a few examples of these incredible collectables (see the complete list below):
- Frans Hals Museum (1962) – This stunning miniature commemorates a major retrospective exhibition of the Dutch master painter. Value: 1,091 euros.
- Royal Palace Amsterdam (Wedding Edition) (1986) – A special edition for honeymooners in Royal Class. Value: 423 euros.
- Royal Palace Amsterdam (360° Model) – This extraordinary piece represents the grandeur of the Royal Palace, with a 360° view of the palace. Value: 7,300 euros.
- Maritime Museum Amsterdam (2016) – Released to celebrate the Netherlands’ Presidency of the EU, this highly detailed miniature is a prized addition for any collector. Value: 764 euros.
These figures are just the tip of the iceberg! The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Royal Palace Het Loo, Rijksmuseum miniatures, and the Cincinnati Music Hall (Ohio, US) are other examples of high-value Limited Editions that collectors have paid substantial sums for—sometimes in the thousands of euros!
The Rarest and Most Expensive KLM Miniatures
Some of the most coveted items in the KLM House collection are the one-of-a-kind miniatures created for particularly rare occasions. These pieces have reached astronomical values in the market, with some fetching prices that make them the holy grail of KLM collectors.
For instance:
- The Royal Palace Het Loo (Apeldoorn) miniature is a real showstopper, valued at 9,970 euros. This rare gem has been awarded to select KLM customers with extraordinary loyalty, making it the ultimate collector’s dream.
- The Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal)—two versions of this magnificent miniature, the 2009 and the more detailed 2018 editions, are valued at 4,589 euros and 6,233 euros, respectively, thanks to their intricate detail and limited availability.
- The Royal Palace Amsterdam – Without a doubt, the most exclusive “miniature” (and yes, we do mean that in quotation marks) is the king-size version of the Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam. Since 2004, Royal Delft has produced just one replica each year, exclusively for the winner of the prestigious KLM Open golf tournament. This one-of-a-kind miniature measures an impressive 50 cm (length) x 32.5 cm (height) x 14 cm (width) —truly a stunning work of art.
Only a handful of these magnificent models have ever entered the market, sold by past winners. As a result, we haven’t been able to gather enough information from collectors to establish an average price, but market value is estimated to range between €16,500 and €19,000. This truly exceptional piece is not just a collector’s item; it’s a rare and valuable treasure!
Collectors’ Treasure: What’s It Worth?
To help guide collectors, MarkMedia & Art has released the KLM House Index 2024/2025, showcasing the average values of 15 Limited Editions and Special miniatures. The most coveted pieces can fetch prices that run into the thousands of euros, with some reaching jaw-dropping amounts at auctions! And don’t forget the rare Special Editions, like the purple Bonaire houses (consisting of 3 pieces) which have now reached a collector’s price of 1,473 euros for one set.
The chart on this page shows the price development over the past 10 years of 15 Limited Editions and some of the most sought-after specials. Below, you will find the average price according to our 2024 survey*, preceded by the year in which the item was first released.
1962 | Frans Hals Museum – € 1,091
1986 | Royal Palace Amsterdam (gift for honeymoon couples) – € 423
1995 | De Weigh House Gouda – € 309
1996 | Chinese Pagoda (Temple of Heaven) – € 1,132
2000 | Bonaire Houses (set of three purple-coloured miniatures) – €1,473
2001 | Manila House – € 533
2009 | Hall of Knights I – € 4,589
2009 | House ter Kleef – € 508
2009 | Kunuku House – € 1,116
2013 | Royal Palace (succession to the thrown by King Willem Alexander) – €536
2012 | Royal Theater Carré – € 2,936
2013 | Royal Concertgebouw – € 4,475
2013 | Palace Het Loo – € 9,970
2014 | Royal Palace Amsterdam (square/360° model) – € 7,300
2016 | National Maritime Museum – € 764
2016 | Maritime Museum Misprint – € 401
2017 | Baan Hollanda Thailand – € 653
2017 | Hermitage Museum (now H’Art Museum) – € 5,340
2018 | Hall of Knights II – € 6,233
2019 | Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – € 5,515
2019 | Cincinnati Music Hall – € 4,813
2019 | KLM House #100 – € 49
2019 | KLM House #100 Staff Edition – € 69
2021 | HQ Gassan Diamonds – € 4,680
2022 | Royal Palace Platinum 4 Life – € 572
2022 | Okura Hotel Amsterdam – € 4,757
2023 | Rijksmuseum Amsterdam – € 7,120
Final Thoughts: A Lifetime of Collecting
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or just beginning your collection, the KLM Delft Blue miniatures are more than just souvenirs—they’re a gateway to a world of artistry, history, and incredible value. As time goes on, their market worth is only set to rise, making them a fantastic investment for collectors who appreciate the beauty and history behind each unique piece.
So, if you’re lucky enough to own one of these treasured miniatures—or if you’re considering starting your collection—know that these little Dutch houses carry not only sentimental value but also a remarkable collectors’ value that can last for generations!
For more information: klmhouse-index @ markmedia.nl
* Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. MarkMedia & Art does not engage in the trading of Limited Editions or Specials and operates independently from KLM and/or professional traders. Our sole purpose is to offer collectors a guideline and assist in the buying or selling of Limited Editions and Specials. We have conducted our research with the utmost care. The prices reported by collectors and traders have been combined through a weighted average to determine an estimated price range. MarkMedia & Art does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the average market or collectors’ prices and cannot be held liable. The buying, selling, and handling of these objects is entirely your own responsibility, including in cases of loss, damage, or theft during shipping.
Mark Zegeling
Author Kingdom by the Sea,
A celebration of Dutch cultural heritage and architecture
Frits Bolkenstein
