A definite treasure trove. A walk down the memory lane. A refuge for memorabilia. In the heart of Saddar lies a market which sells nostalgia, that too in abundance. The Karachi walla went there to buy record pin for his gramophone but ended up buying 105 Long Play records, a typewriter, a Grundig LP Player and radio set and a 1940 Philco teak turntable.
There are two tiny lanes in China shopping mall, which contain ten or so shops selling all kinds of antiques. The mall is at a walking distance from Zainab Market but from the road it hardly looks like an antique market. There is a shop selling new cannon camera and on the other end, some kind of kitchenware. But step inside from either of two openings, and you will see grandfather clocks, ancient radios, typewriters, painting, gramophones, turntables and collectibles which make their way from someone’s inheritance to these shops.
I had a conversation with Numair, one of the shopkeepers in the market. In his 20s, Numair studies part time and run two shops in antique market. He expertly inquired me about my interest and dug relevant collectibles from his shop. He told me that he can whatsapp me more stuff as they are not sure what is making way to their shop next. He also offered to buy any antique stuff if i have one lying idle in my house.
I drifted from his shop and explored others. Some of the shops specialized in paintings while some in stuff taken out from Ships. I found a huge collection of LPs in few shops. There was a discount if you buy them in bulk but I chose to be selective. They had a better collection of Hindi files. I found in a tiny shop, a decent collection of hindi movies; Guide, Pakeezah Aan, Hum Dono, Silsila, Namak Haram and others. In another shop I found some of Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond and Neil Sedaka.
As I walked outside I wondered how long such antique shops could survive. These shops feed on rich memorabilia which classy denizens of 60s had in use. In the world of software driven madness, is someone still manufacturing such classy stuff, and more importantly buying it.
I visited this market many years ago but didn’t paid much attention. Now these shops are indeed such a treasure trove of a forgotten world. Very lovely post!!
Can anybody tell exact location of this antique market
I love antiques and I want to visit this place
I want to visit this place can anyone guide the exact location where is this place
I love antiques
Is it open on a Sunday
A very interesting Blog. Your writings vicariously takes me through the streets of Karachi.
at saddar
oppsit kareem centre