I’ve always wondered how many units of a certain model were actually manufactured. If a model was limited to let’s say 5000, would that number actually be made, or would production stop when fewer orders came in? I guess l’m curious because collecting Mint models has always been a fairly expensive endeavor, at least in the company I keep, and it would be interesting to know how many collectors are lurking out there in the world. Thanks, and happy Mother’s Day to all! P.S. I found a great photo online of an actual ‘33, 3 window Ford that is almost identical to the latest DM model that I acquired on eBay.
For the FM & DM, if a specific limited number issue was made, that amount of models were made plus some additional for replacements for those that would be returned. DM also did limited number editions based on time. For instance a 50th anniversary model limited to the numbers produced until the deadline - usually Dec. 31st of that issue year.
There were open-ended issues (one of a set amount) and numbered limited issues. Supposedly any excess numbers not sold during a set amount of time, and that varied for maker, they would destroy the overage.
If a model was limited to let’s say 5000, would that number actually be made, or would production stop when fewer orders came in?
I'm certainly no expert on "The Mints" and their subsequent manufacturing prowess, however, one of my careers involved retail/retail consulting... and based on ALL the "lies" regarding "sales, limited quantities, act-fast campaigns, and exaggerated hype," I witnessed, and was part of.... I learned to be incredulous. Therefore, I suspect there was a fair amount of "fudgery" within those "Mints." 🤔 🤨 🙄
@perrone1 Thanks for the replies. By the way Tony, I asked about the ‘35 Ace hot rod pickup, and I just happened across the 2009 article that told of the Danbury Mint employee, R.H., who scratch built the model at home, brought it to work to show his colleges, and convinced them to offer it in their line. Cool stuff!
For the FM & DM, if a specific limited number issue was made, that amount of models were made plus some additional for replacements for those that would be returned. DM also did limited number editions based on time. For instance a 50th anniversary model limited to the numbers produced until the deadline - usually Dec. 31st of that issue year.
There were open-ended issues (one of a set amount) and numbered limited issues. Supposedly any excess numbers not sold during a set amount of time, and that varied for maker, they would destroy the overage.
WOW Tony! You answered a most interesting question, one which I often wondered about but never asked. I never knew that additional cars were produced for replacements for those cars that would be returned.
I remember one time on the old Forum, someone talked about concerns of the mints getting returned models and then sending them out other buyers. Your mention of "additional" cars produced is comforting to me, knowing that a returned model for quality issues or breakage, wouldn't be sent out again. Good stuff!
For the FM & DM, if a specific limited number issue was made, that amount of models were made plus some additional for replacements for those that would be returned. DM also did limited number editions based on time. For instance a 50th anniversary model limited to the numbers produced until the deadline - usually Dec. 31st of that issue year.
There were open-ended issues (one of a set amount) and numbered limited issues. Supposedly any excess numbers not sold during a set amount of time, and that varied for maker, they would destroy the overage.
WOW Tony! You answered a most interesting question, one which I often wondered about but never asked. I never knew that additional cars were produced for replacements for those cars that would be returned.
I remember one time on the old Forum, someone talked about concerns of the mints getting returned models and then sending them out other buyers. Your mention of "additional" cars produced is comforting to me, knowing that a returned model for quality issues or breakage, wouldn't be sent out again. Good stuff!
We had the Franklin Mint do the same for each of our LECC's. After due course Jay actually destroyed many extras from more than one run of models.
For the FM & DM, if a specific limited number issue was made, that amount of models were made plus some additional for replacements for those that would be returned. DM also did limited number editions based on time. For instance a 50th anniversary model limited to the numbers produced until the deadline - usually Dec. 31st of that issue year.
There were open-ended issues (one of a set amount) and numbered limited issues. Supposedly any excess numbers not sold during a set amount of time, and that varied for maker, they would destroy the overage.
WOW Tony! You answered a most interesting question, one which I often wondered about but never asked. I never knew that additional cars were produced for replacements for those cars that would be returned.
I remember one time on the old Forum, someone talked about concerns of the mints getting returned models and then sending them out other buyers. Your mention of "additional" cars produced is comforting to me, knowing that a returned model for quality issues or breakage, wouldn't be sent out again. Good stuff!
We had the Franklin Mint do the same for each of our LECC's. After due course Jay actually destroyed many extras from more than one run of models.
OUCH! Why were they destroyed? Am I missing something here?
@perrone1 Thanks for the replies. By the way Tony, I asked about the ‘35 Ace hot rod pickup, and I just happened across the 2009 article that told of the Danbury Mint employee, R.H., who scratch built the model at home, brought it to work to show his colleges, and convinced them to offer it in their line. Cool stuff!
That is a strange article, Rick Hanmore was a designer at DM, that was his job, isn't it?
I’ve always wondered how many units of a certain model were actually manufactured. If a model was limited to let’s say 5000, would that number actually be made, or would production stop when fewer orders came in? I guess l’m curious because collecting Mint models has always been a fairly expensive endeavor, at least in the company I keep, and it would be interesting to know how many collectors are lurking out there in the world. Thanks, and happy Mother’s Day to all! P.S. I found a great photo online of an actual ‘33, 3 window Ford that is almost identical to the latest DM model that I acquired on eBay.
Great model, except DM forgot to replicate the horns that, I believe, were standard equipment.
@chav You are correct Chav, finding a pair of horns is already on my list. All is forgiven to DM, as the ‘33/‘34 Ford coupe is one of my all time favorites, I think the styling is sheer genius.
@chav You are correct Chav, finding a pair of horns is already on my list. All is forgiven to DM, as the ‘33/‘34 Ford coupe is one of my all time favorites, I think the styling is sheer genius.
the perfect donor, unfortunately these are getting expensive too
@perrone1 Thanks for the replies. By the way Tony, I asked about the ‘35 Ace hot rod pickup, and I just happened across the 2009 article that told of the Danbury Mint employee, R.H., who scratch built the model at home, brought it to work to show his colleges, and convinced them to offer it in their line. Cool stuff!
That is a strange article, Rick Hanmore was a designer at DM, that was his job, isn't it?
I haven't read the article Chav but have been very close friends with Rick for years. He was a modeler 1st & foremost - still is. He was submitting work to DM before being hired by then Design Manager, and another great friend I was honored to know, James Wolff. Rick then became part of the design team and his ideas and designs were incorporated into many diecast models. He assumed the manager's position when James left.
@perrone1 Thanks for the replies. By the way Tony, I asked about the ‘35 Ace hot rod pickup, and I just happened across the 2009 article that told of the Danbury Mint employee, R.H., who scratch built the model at home, brought it to work to show his colleges, and convinced them to offer it in their line. Cool stuff!
That is a strange article, Rick Hanmore was a designer at DM, that was his job, isn't it?
I haven't read the article Chav but have been very close friends with Rick for years. He was a modeler 1st & foremost - still is. He was submitting work to DM before being hired by then Design Manager, and another great friend I was honored to know, James Wolff. Rick then became part of the design team and his ideas and designs were incorporated into many diecast models. He assumed the manager's position when James left.
Thanks Tony, I kinda know the story. My comment was regarding the way the events were described ...
"Rick Hanmore of Danbury Mint, however, has a background in scratchbuilding models, and his creativity just couldn't be contained by the standard diecast procedure. He needed an outlet, so in his off-hours at home, he built a slammed little '35 Ford pickup with all sorts of "backinthe'50s" hot rod detailing. It turned out so nice, he was able to convince his colleagues at Danbury Mint to go ahead and offer it among their line of 1/24th-scale hot rods and racing vehicles."
