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26/01/2021 4:47 pm
I recently purchased the Esval 1920 Pierce Arrow. This has rekindled my interest in pre-1920 models. I became interested in what Cadillac had available after seeing Vlad's altered 1906 Cadillac. So after some investigating, I purchased a 1913 Cadillac roadster by Matchbox, part of their "yesteryear" series. I proceeded to strip it for a 2 tone repaint and was pleasantly surprised as to how detailed and accurate a casting that resides under the poor paint colors used by Matchbox (available in candy green and gold colors).There are quite a few parts to this model. The windshield frame ,radiator shell and lights are all made from solid brass.Impressive. It has nice rubber tires and authentic detailed metal wheels.I plan to add a differential and driveshaft to complete the undercarriage.I looked at what other American cars were offered under the yesteryears series and then started to notice the similarities between the Matchbox American cars and those of Danbury Mint pewter cars.All of the Matchbox American cars are also made by Danbury Mint in Pewter. Even the same years. Is this a coincidence or was there an arrangement between the two companies? I'll post some pictures of the 1913 Cadillac when I have it finished next month.
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26/01/2021 5:46 pm
Ken,
I heard years ago that Matchbox Yesteryears had been used to create the dies used for many of Danbury Mint's pewter models. In the early days, China and Hong Kong toy makers took a lot of short cuts in producing models. Matchbox was a common victim.
Did not know about the brass parts. Thanks for that information. I'd love to see your final result.
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26/01/2021 6:07 pm
I'm also interested, Ken. I like the older models. Here are a couple that might be of interest to you. (Click on pictures for enlargements.)
This Tootsietoy is all original, including a little playwear. It seems close to 1:43 in scale.
This Danbury pewter model also seems to be 1:43. It's one of my attempts to paint pewter. Since I couldn't take it apart, painting was hard to be really accurate.
Keep posting!
26/01/2021 7:03 pm
Hey David! You painted your Maxwell almost the same green as my Woodgrain-box-era Yesteryear Y-6 1913 Cadillac!!!
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Topic starter
26/01/2021 7:07 pm
David: The Matchbox "yesteryears" models aren't meant to be taken apart either, so I used a Dremel tool to grind down all the rivets. It came apart fairly easy after that. I don't have any Danbury Mint pewter models so I'm wondering what holds the components together? If they are riveted, it may be able to be disassembled.
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26/01/2021 7:37 pm
I disposed of a lot of mine years ago, keeping the first original 15. These were mostly in smaller scales (close in scale to many of the "regular" series) plus a few others. I did keep my Mercer Raceabout, but only the yellow one (not the horrid lilac version even though it was older). But I had to have this Bentley cigar box.
26/01/2021 11:16 pm
Karl, it's a good-looking green Cadillac; I have few Yesteryears around. Like Harv, I've sold or swapped most of mine as I found more realistic 1:43 models. A few are still here because I just like them!
And I like Ken's comments on using his Dremel; I just applied a little pressure to this pewter Cadillac's spare tires and they came right off. I think I'll try again to take it apart. Stay tuned but don't expect anything too soon.
Enjoy!
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