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A re-issue of 5 of the first models from the original Matchbox series as a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Matchbox Toys.
With the nrs. 1-4-5-7-9.
In January 1947, two old friends Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith formed a company to be called ‘Lesney Products.’
The name Lesney was derived from their both first names.
The partners anticipated on the demand for domestic electrical components, and manufactured these for other companies.
The design and production of toys began mainly as a sideline when the company was not busy, sub-contracting for toy companies. This gave the partners the confidence to produce their own toys which were then sold through toy factors.
By late 1948, the first toy – a road roller was produced followed by others, these early Lesney Toys were similar to Dinky Models.
The company continued to produce toys and by 1953, stimulated by the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, models of the coronation coach were released.
The success of these, particularly the miniature, was so overwhelming that Lesney decided to scale down their larger toys to a miniature range.
Packaged in a small box about the size, colour and a shape of a matchbox – the ‘Matchbox Series’ was born.
So, 40 years later, in 1988, this “Matchbox series 40th Anniversary Collection” was presented, also in the shape, but than larger, of a matchbox.
The 5 cars, with nrs. nrs 1-4-5-7-9, have never been out of the purchase box, never played with, they are brand new.
The original purchase packaging has signs of wear, see the photo, and the information on the box is in the German language.
The box will be carefully packaged and shipped with track and trace.
The photos accompanying this lot are an important part of the description.
67491203
