Andrew Rae, a 53-year-old from Spilsby in Lincolnshire, has curated an extraordinary collection over the past 40 years, transforming his home into a shrine dedicated to cash registers. Rae's collection, boasting the largest assortment of cash registers in the UK, includes an impressive 185 vintage and electronic models. His fascination began when he was just 14 years old, and his dedication has only grown since then.
Rae's collection gained notable recognition when three of his cash registers featured in the second season of the popular TV series "Loki." The production company contacted him directly to borrow an old register, showcasing the unique appeal and historical significance of his assortment. While he rarely finds cash within these antique machines, Rae often discovers scraps of paper and letters addressed to shopkeepers, offering a glimpse into the past.
"There's lots of history behind every single one and sometimes the things you find inside the tills are just as exciting as the tills themselves," Andrew Rae commented on his intriguing discoveries.
His collection ranges from ornate vintage brass models to modern electronic ones, some being identical models, underscoring his passion for diversity within his collection. Rae shares this unusual but fascinating hobby with his partner Martin, who is also 53 years old. Together, they have made space in their home for this extensive collection, each piece reflecting a piece of history.
Despite his vast collection, Rae humorously recalls his beginnings.
"I was very cheeky as a child," remarked Andrew Rae, hinting at the playful curiosity that led him to pursue such a distinctive hobby.
Yet, as much as Rae treasures his collection, he dreams of finding a suitable resting place for these historical artifacts.
"It would be ideal if one day I could find a museum that would be willing to take them and look after them," he expressed, hopeful for a future where his collection can be appreciated by a wider audience.
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