When we think of a souvenir building, one thinks of the impressive memorials, towers and skyscrapers from around the world. A lot of cities in our world today, however, would not be as successful or famous without a different kind of structure: the bridge.
Sometimes, a bridge can be the more well known than the buildings it connects. The Golden Gate Bridge has become synonymous with San Francisco, the London Bridge even has a song (though the original no longer lives in London). Believe it or not, a lot of bridges are worth a souvenir, and traveling around the globe, one can find many miniatures to bring home. Beautiful, strong, and impressive—bridges are an excellent addition to any building collection.
Here are some exmaples of souvenir bridges:
A painted metal Golden Gate Bridge. Collection of Seamus McMahonThe Ponte Sisto Bridge of Florence and Charles Bridge of Prague. Both Resin. Collection of Seamus McMahonThe Chain Bridge of Budapest. Resin. Collection of Seamus McMahonMackinac Bridge in Michigan. Resin, with cars running through it and lit with holiday lights. Collection of Seamus McMahonSometimes a brdge can be featured in a cityscape, like the Brooklyn Bridge here of New York. Resin. Collection of Seamus McMahon
SBCS’s 2014 Convention is over. There were some good souvenir building and monument finds associated with the attendees’ travel, Nashville antique-ing, SBCS swapping, raffle and auction. Here are the first pictures sharing some of the take-homes.
Carolyn C. found the David sculpture, in perfect condition, at the “Big One” Nashville Flea Market on Friday. She was happy to grab it for $15.
David, Michelangelo, Italy, 5” tall, pot metal. Onyx base 2.5 “
Wynn W. scored one from his wish list at a flea market on his way home from the convention. “On the way North I made a few stops, including a flea market where I found this treasure. It has been near the top of my want list since I saw a photo of it well over 15 years ago. The finish is in excellent condition, but It looks like the Washington Monument was glued on at one time, and put on a bit crooked. I look forward to doing some major rearranging on my Washington DC shelves to make room for this piece. “
Washington DC cityscape, 4 1/2 inches tall, made in Japan, makers mark – Initials KT in a circle with wings, MM #246.
Many attendees left Nashville with a pocket full of refrigerator magnets that featured buildings and monuments. They were a final gift to members of SBCS from Pat Smith, who passed away earlier this year.
New York, Asturias, Maltese House, Wells Cathedral, HaNoi, Ellis Island, Museo Chillida, Unknown, Quebec CN.
SBCS President, Joe K did quite well and sent the following pictures of the loot with which he returned home.
Top row – United American Bank; Singing Tower – Mountain Lake, FLA; Havoline Tower – Chicago World’s Fair 1936 – 1934; Metal Sunsphere, Knoxville, TN; St. Jacob’s Stone Church, Brodbecks, PA; Statue of Liberty. Bottom Row – Oil rig – Wellington, TX; Locomotive Pencil Sharpener; Mount Rushmore; Neuschwanstein; oil rig on State of Texas outline; Befreiungshalle
Top row – Capitol Records 45 record sleeve (great graphics); Singing Tower – Lake Wales FLA; Knox County Court House; plastic Sunsphere, Knoxville, TN; Jefferson Standard Life Ins. Co., Greensboro, NC; R do Sevilla; Park Bank thermometer; United Nations cup & saucer. Bottom row – State Capitol, Harrisburg, PA (ceramic bank); Royal Manchester Exchange (porcelain box); Steamtown – Bellows Falls, VT (ceramic bank); Castillo De San Marco; The Hermitage (metal letter holder); Pikes Peak or Bust (S&P metal tray).
Top row – Buckingham Palace; SBCS 1994-2014 Parthenon; 3 monkeys on Savings Bank. Bottom row – Seattle Space Needle pen; Blackpool S&P set; 2 unknown metal buildings; Rehberger basketball player statue
SBCS 