Delft Appraisal

KLM Blue Delft House Miniature (Bols Genever Bottle) - House No. 21

This item is a miniature ceramic liquor bottle, designed in the form of a traditional Dutch canal house. The primary color is an off-white or cream, simulating a stucco or brick facade, with details picked out in blue, characteristic of Delftware. The 'house' features multiple windows, nine visible on the front, each with a blue frame and grid pattern to simulate window panes. The main entrance door is centrally located on the ground floor, rendered in a deeper shade of blue. The facade also displays subtle raised lines, possibly representing architectural detailing or the texture of the building material. The top of the building features a stepped gable roofline. The base of the bottle clearly displays printed text: "Blue Delft's exclusively made for KLM by BOLS Royal Distilleries Holland." Below this text, a number "21" is visible, likely indicating the specific house number in a series or collection. The bottle appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear. The finish is glossy. The craftsmanship is precise, with clean lines and sharp definition of architectural elements, indicating good quality manufacturing. These types of miniatures were traditionally given as gifts to first and business class passengers on KLM flights, often containing Bols Genever or other Dutch spirits. This particular piece appears to be part of a series showcasing various canal houses from Amsterdam. Based on the branding, it certainly dates from after World War II, with models continuously being produced until the present day, with specific numbers corresponding to actual houses in Amsterdam.