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EARLY MATCHBOX (Moko/Lesney/Matchbox)

David Green · 2021-11-20T21:10:38Z

Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original diecast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The Matchbox name originated in 1953 as a brand name of the British die-casting company Lesney Products, whose reputation was moulded by John W. "Jack" Odell (1920–2007), Leslie Charles Smith (1918–2005), and Rodney Smith. The name Lesney was a portmanteau of Leslie and Rodney Smith's first names. In the earliest years of the regular, or 1-75 series – well before the series actually numbered 75 models – Lesney was marketed/distributed by Moko (itself named after its founder, Moses Kohnstam). Boxes in that era mentioned this, with the text "A Moko Lesney" appearing on each. Lesney gained its independence from Moko in 1959 by buying out Moko's share in the joint enterprise, leading to a period of growth, both in sales and in size. Early models did not feature windows or interiors, were made entirely of metal, and were often about 2" (5 cm) in length. By 1968, Matchbox was the biggest-selling brand of small die-cast model cars worldwide. 1-A Road Roller, 1/64 scale, Introduced in 1953, deleted in 1954. This is a British 1948 Aveling Barford Road Roller. Not the first Matchbox, as Lesney had a small line of diecast before launching the Matchbox 75 range, but is close enough to be called the beginning of quality small scale models. 1-B&C Road Roller, 1/64 scale, Introduced in 1954, deleted in 1958. The 1-B was pale green while the 2-C was darker and a slightly different casting but both were of the 1953 Aveling Barford Diesel Road Roller. Here is the Moko/Lesney issue. Catalogue page showing some early models.

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1:64 Scale & Smaller

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David Green

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Topic starter 07/08/2022 11:22 am

50-B, John Deer Tractor, 1/61 scale. Introduced 1964, discontinued 1969

This is a model of the John Deere Lanz 700 Tractor in suitable green.Grey plastic tires tend to loosen with age.

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Christopher Moroni

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11/08/2022 4:48 pm

WOW! 4,682 views and climbing...WOW!

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Jack Dodds

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11/08/2022 8:53 pm

I have this one. I glued the tires in place...just a small dab x2.

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David Green

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Topic starter 12/08/2022 8:59 am

clansman chieftain clydesdale overtype 1950 16560

51-A, Albion Chiftain, 1/150 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1963.

Yellow with tan load, black baseplate and logo 'Blue Circle Portland Cement' in various shades of blue. Earliest versions said just 'Portland Cement'

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Jack Dodds

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12/08/2022 9:15 pm

Another childhood favorite which I have in my collection.

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David Green

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Topic starter 18/08/2022 2:08 pm

52-A, Maserati 4CLT/1948, 1/63 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1965.

This one came in red or yellow with white or cream driver. Number was usually 52, black on white circle but was sometimes missing or only on one side.

Base was black and wheels could be plain black hubs ore simulated wire wheels. These were all made in England as noted on the base.

Red was issued from 1958 to 1963.

Yellow was issued for 1964 and 1965. All these that I have seen have wire wheels.

dte moko lesney matchbox regular 1 0f089ba702d7ffd5e690d78ae238bc64

A Matchbox Original made in China was issued in 1993 for the 40th Anniversary of Matchbox.

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David Green

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Topic starter 24/08/2022 8:44 am

52-B, BRM Racing Formula 1, 1/54 scale. Introduced 1965, discontinued 1969.

Most of the issue was shades of blue but a red version was also made the last few years. Tires tended to loosen over time with hub shrinkage. All appear to have the number 5 decal.