#Vintage matchbook values series#

As the collection grew, it also gradually became more international, including models of Volkswagens, a Citroën, and American makes. It also resulted in the description of the models’ scales being “1:box” (as opposed to more mathematical scales such as 1:87, 1:64, or 1:43).Īdditional models - mostly British at first - continued to be added to the line throughout the decade, including cars such as an MG Midget TD, a Vauxhall Cresta, a Ford Zodiac, and many others.

As a result of the inspiration for the toys’ size, the idea was born to sell the models in replica matchboxes - thus yielding the name of the series. A dump truck and a cement mixer completed the original three-model release that marked the starting point for the mass-market success of the Matchbox series. This toy ultimately became the first of the 1-75 miniature range. It was designed for his daughter: her school only allowed children to bring toys that could fit inside a matchbox, so Odell crafted a scaled-down version of the Lesney green and red road roller. Shortly thereafter, Lesney co-owner Jack Odell created a toy that effectively paved the way for the company’s future success. Their first major sales success was the popular model of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation coach, which sold more than a million models. “Jack” Odell (1920–2007), Leslie Charles Smith (1918–2005), and Rodney Smith (hence the name Lesney, a portmanteau of Leslie and Rodney Smith’s first names). The Matchbox name originated in 1953 as a brand name of the British die-casting company, Lesney Products, whose reputation would be moulded by John W.

#Vintage matchbook values series#

Early years: Lesney, the origins of the Matchbox name and the 1-75 series.The box style packaging was re-introduced for the collectors’ market in recent years, particularly with the release of the “ 35th Anniversary of Superfast” series in 2004. Subsequently, the brand would encompass a broad range of toys including larger scale die-cast models and various other lines of toys, such as plastic model kits and action figures.During the 1980s, Matchbox began to switch to the more conventional plastic and cardboard “ blister packs“, that were used by other die-cast toy brands such as Hot Wheels. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar in style and size to those in which matches were sold. Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc.Presenting a EXTREMELY RARE Vintage 1971 Matchbox No2 Jeep Hot Rod.

MY MUSINGS ON DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2020 AND THE REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC.

The Meaning of Being ‘Irish’ in Today’s World.

LOVING and CARING FOR YOUR WOODEN ANTIQUES.

Rare Books Collection of Rare and Antiquarian Books.

American Collectibles, Bronzes, Silver, Vases etc.

French/Euro Collectibles, Bronzes, Porcelain, Silver etc.

B & I Collectibles, Pottery, Porcelain, Silver etc.