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HEINEKEN'S
"Surfing the Internet has made finding rare items
a lot easier, of course." Collector Jeroen Jonker
The virtual flea market
But what is the best source for Heineken articles?
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GERSTEBIER
In the past, local flea markets were the best source for collecting Heineken
memorabilia. Even today, there are still stalls to be found scattered across
the Netherlands that are devoted to Heineken collectibles. But Jan believes
the days of finding real bargains or special treasures at the flea markets
are gradually disappearing.
"I used to spend entire weekends driving around to various flea
markets. But these days most of the best items are found at trade fairs and
collector gatherings."
When Jan's inventory topped 10,000 items, he decided it was time to start
making choices about what to collect. "That's when I became a real
collector, I think, searching for very specific things, hunting for particular
items instead of simply buying everything I came across. Mind you, that was
a tough habit to break!"
Jan began hunting for rare antique Heineken items, such as classic
advertising material, steel promotional boards and neon signs. "For a while,
I collected postcards which in one way or other made reference to
Heineken, like pictures of a café or a bar with the Heineken logo on it."
No Heineken collection
can be without a famous
'Dutch Boy' statue
"The impact of the Internet has been enormous for Heineken collectors,"
comments Jan. "People no longer need to trade with one another in person
or attend special events, all they need is a modem and a mouse.
"But there are things in here," Jan continues with a smile, as he points
around his living room, "that I couldn't have bought if it wasn't for the
