Here is cottage number 103, the KLM collection this year celebrates Aruba

KLM turned 103 years old and, during the festival celebrated every year on October 7, cottage number 103, one of the most collected and sought-after items from the world of aviation.

What are KLM's "little houses"

These miniatures reproduce typical Dutch constructions, but they were born with a different purpose than today.

The idea of filling Delftware's miniature houses with gin originated in the 1950s, when there was a limit to the value of gifts the airline could give its passengers. By placing liquor (Bols Dutch Genever) inside the little houses, they could be considered cocktails that arrived in souvenir containers, rather than gifts in their own right.

Initially, the small works contained a liqueur from the local Rynbende and Henkes distilleries, eventually making way for typical Dutch juniper in the 1980s. In several Middle Eastern countries, however, alcohol restrictions forced a change in the company's strategy. Farewell to liquor, giving way to an exclusive collection of Dutch cottages structured to ashtray shape. Needless to say, these versions are among the most sought-after. A special feature of them is that once the cigarette is inserted in the back to throw the ashes out, the smoke enters the inside of the small structure, escaping from the tiny fireplace at the top.

Lodge number 103

Today KLM exploits the craze behind these little houses as a marketing strategy. Not only is there a barter market, there is an app to manage the collection, but also a secondary resale market, the most valuable prices are paid hundreds of euros.

For the second time in history KLM chose to replicate a construction outside the Netherlands, the first time it had been Curacao, for the 85th birthday.

This year's miniature Is a replica of a house in a very special place: Ecury family home in Aruba.

The island will celebrate its aviation centennial next year, and the Ecury House, now part of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba, is close to where the first plane landed. In addition, the Ecury family played a significant role in the development of aviation on the island. KLM first flew to Aruba almost ninety years ago and made the island its operational hub for scheduled services through the Caribbean.

How to have one of these little houses

Since 1994, KLM has resumed the tradition of presenting a playhouse every year and giving it as a gift to all passengers on board the World Business Class On intercontinental routes.

A few minutes before landing, the cabin attendant or a flight attendant will walk the business class aisles with the classic food cart, only this time on offer will be cottages. The great thing, for collectors and others, is that each passenger can choose the one they like best Or missing to complete the collection.

Precisely because they contain a liquid, they are delivered sealed in a sachet and accompanied by the presentation card, so you have no problem passing the controls for subsequent flights.