looking to sell a sample case of matchboxes 1-55

[dolltoy13]

Hi folks-

here's a couple of pix of the set and a few close ups.we actually found the double decker bus in the plastic bag in which we were given the set. The gas pump is still missing and the family remembers that it was lost some time ago during one of their cleaning phases during a move.

[durangokid]

Here is a photo of a "cardboard" Dealer Display that is from 1959-1960. It has the first 3 accessory pack models and the first 2 Major Pack models (all on the top row). It then has the first 1-60 regular wheel models as Matchbox had not gone to the 1-75 series yet. The header shows the #6A Quarry truck model.
These Displays are very hard to find and few have survived. I acquired this one about 10-12 years ago and it does have the "elastic straps" that I have used to help hold the models in but not for this photo. Sorry the photo isn't the best, but the Display is behind glass.
I would suggest dolltoy13 keep the forum advised on the models/display (definitely need photos!) as many folks here may have an interest in some items if they are sold.

Bill

[kwakers]

Yours is exactly the display I have pictured in that Toy Catalog from 1958 durangokid. If their display is only set up for 55 models, it may be from 1957. I don't think I have ever seen that one even pictured if that is the case, so it will be interesting to see how it is arranged. That is one very nice display and it's proper models you have pictured for us, and I think with your permission Nick should add it to his display pictures for future reference at the Website. These Bronner displays bring back lots of memories of 'Picking' gray metal wheeled early variations out of them well after they had switched to black plastic wheels on the whole line. The clerks would try to force the later boxed stock on us, but my Mom would never give up, even spending almost an hour with me to get our second two color Hatra from a Rexall Drug Store Bronner display in Schylerville New York.
Thanks Durango, my Bronner displays are all the 1-75 post 1960 style, so I will dream of finding one like yours tonight. kwakers

[SMS88]

Even with the header missing ( a replica header could be available from a specialist maker) this is still a great very rare store display. The obvious high value gem present is the green #43 Minx which on its own is a $300-500 car mint. If the #39 Zodiac has tan seats its a $200-400 car.

[Moyboy]

Shame about the header as the display in top condition is probably worth more than the models !!!

[kwakers]

Now that pictures have been added kind of delayed after Durango's late 1958 style display, it appears that 1958 had Fred Bronner also printing an earlier type of cardboard display that year with only models 1-55 in it. It simply amazes me to think that Lesney was able to tool up and add new model numbers 43 through 60, all during that very productive 1958 year. I can't say that this early display originally had the same header as durango's, more research is needed to verify that. Very nice models by the looks of them, a true time capsule of Lesney history well worth noting here. Thanks Again dolltoy13 for showing us this one after all these years in storage. What a story..... kwakers

[durangokid]

Dolltoy13 -- Thank you for the photos-- you have some really nice models there and the basic foundation for a very rare Dealer Display!! As mentioned above, too bad that you don't have the "header" for the Display as that would definitely increase the overall value of the display. A facsimile could probably be generated if someone wanted to pursue that avenue. The 1-55 model displays are VERY hard to find and I've only seen a few pictures of them. The earliest Dealer Matchbox catalog that I have is from 1960, but I believe some earlier "flyers" or Dealer sheets included pictures of these earlier displays. I'm guessing that the #6A Quarry truck is also on the header of the 1-55 Dealer Display, but not sure................ Someone out there on the forum should have the answer on this and probably a photo.........
Keep the forum posted on your possible disposition of the models/display.....
Bill

[SMS88]

Dolltoy13 -- Thank you for the photos-- you have some really nice models there and the basic foundation for a very rare Dealer Display!! As mentioned above, too bad that you don't have the "header" for the Display as that would definitely increase the overall value of the display. A facsimile could probably be generated if someone wanted to pursue that avenue. The 1-55 model displays are VERY hard to find and I've only seen a few pictures of them. The earliest Dealer Matchbox catalog that I have is from 1960, but I believe some earlier "flyers" or Dealer sheets included pictures of these earlier displays. I'm guessing that the #6A Quarry truck is also on the header of the 1-55 Dealer Display, but not sure................ Someone out there on the forum should have the answer on this and probably a photo.........
Keep the forum posted on your possible disposition of the models/display.....
Bill

This 55 car display will be auctioned on June 25th somewhere in USA - anyone interested in bidding should contact the poster!

[dolltoy13]

Hi folks--

thanks for all the kind words and valuable info. for those interested, this set will be sold Monday june 23rd. the sale starts at 5 pm EST. if you would like more info about bidding via absentee or phone, please contact us at dolltoy@hotmail.com. there is no minimum on this item.