47b Commer Ice Cream Van

[Idris]

This was a fiendishly complicated comparison, not only because of the large number of variations, but because of the way that the different decals and interior mouldings have been interpreted and coded by the various cataloguers.

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) codes a model at 47-2a which matches Nick's first three codes (i.e. metallic blue, 10 x 24 BPW, first-type decals, snap-in base) but has a cream interior instead of the white found on all other codes. If confirmed, this would be Nick's new code 1 (and potentially also code 2 and code 3, depending on how many different interiors are involved).The listing also differentiates between dark blue and light blue bodies (in spite of noting that "body colours vary from dark to light"). The light blue bodies appear to be less common and only feature in two codes, 47-2g and 47-2h, both of which have 11 x 45 BPW, white interior, short stripes roof decal, and shorter striped side decal. The former has a snap-in base whilst the latter has a riveted base. Code 47-2j is a normal dark blue body, with 11 x 45 BPW, white interior and riveted base. However, it is coded for hybrid decals. The same is also true of code 47-2k. No explanation of the coding is given, but it would appear that 47-2j has the red & white side decal in combination with the short stripes roof decal, whilst 47-2k has the red & white side decal, but this time in combination with the long stripes roof label. Can anyone confirm either of these?
The AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) lists a model at 47-2B which confirms NAMC's cream interior, but states that the man has legs. Furthermore, codes 47-2G, 47-2H, 47-2I, and 47-2J confirm NAMC's light blue body variation and further reveal that both variations are found with the vendor both with and without legs. In addition, variation 47-2L matches Nick's code 23 (cream, 11 x 45 BPW, short stripes roof decal, shorter stripes side decal, riveted base) but has the shorter man. If confirmed, this would be a new code 24.
Stannard does not catalogue any variations not already listed by Nick. He does note that "early mouldings of the interior were of cream plastic. These were then changed to white plastic and vary in shades from off-white to pure white. It would be impossible to list these shade changes.".
Houghton list a model at 47b-23 which has a cream body, white interior, 11 x 45 BPW, riveted base, short stripes roof decal, shorter stripes side decal, shorter man, brace behind driver's seat. This appears to confirm AIM code 47-2I.
U.K. Matchbox first examined the model in volume 4, no. 2 (Jun. '80), p39 with a follow-up in Volume 4, no. 3 (Aug. '80) p96. Body colours are noted as "dark blue, medium blue, pale blue, metallic blue and cream in several minor shades".Two different versions of the shorter roof decal are noted: type 1 has a maroon panel behind Lyons maid and stripes in dull maroon, brown, yellow and mauve, whilst type 2 has a red panel behind Lyons Maid and stripes in dull red, brown, yellow and mauve. The same maroon/dull red variation is stated to be found on the second-type side decals as well. Early interiors are stated to be cream, with later versions in white.Only two man heights are noted.
U.K. Matchbox revisited the model in volume 8, no. 1 (Apr. '84), p. 15. Regarding non-metallic blue colours, the article states "several shades exist although, in the main, of a minor nature".The maroon/dull red decal variation highlighted in 1980 is now dismissed a minor shade difference! Although the different interior mouldings (originally in a rich cream colour, but subsequently.....in white, with slight shades tending to off-white) are now given in detail, the "shortest man" version is, once again, not mentioned. Cream interiors are noted as being found with both the metallic blue and the first of the non-metallic blue versions.

[Diecast]

There are not only variation in blue colour by 47b Commer Ice Cream Van,

[Diecast]

but also white variation:
a) cream (or dark cream)
b) light cream (or off white)

[Diecast]

There is one unlisted silver trim variation:
a) silver trim to grille, bumper and headlights
b) silver trim to grille

[Diecast]

There are a lot of variations.
Antonin

[Idris]

There is one unlisted silver trim variation:
a) silver trim to grille, bumper and headlights
b) silver trim to grille

I see that you've shown this on the early, metallic blue version. Does this also occur on the non-metallic blue or cream version, Antonin?

[Diecast]

There is one unlisted silver trim variation:
a) silver trim to grille, bumper and headlights
b) silver trim to grille

I see that you've shown this on the early, metallic blue version. Does this also occur on the non-metallic blue or cream version, Antonin?

As I have checked my models, I have found one blue model (with long stripes) with a similar trim. But it has a small trace of the silver trim. As I have checked the metallic blue model once more, it has also a small trace of the silver trim. The trace does not seem as the wear out. I think that the mask for the trim was at some time congested.
Antonin

[Idris]

I think that the mask for the trim was at some time congested.

That would make sense. (With the exception of the 47a Trojan Van, I cannot think of any other model that gained additional trim during its production run.)

[Bonzothecat]

I've been asked to put this here for further reference. It´s my own Ice-cream van, apparently unlisted. It´s been suggested as a 10a, as it is: Blue - 10x24 - GPW - Short stripes - Taller striped - Snap-in - Shorter man (with head beneath the window-frame - Brace behind the driver seat. Thank you Yellowfoden, for helping me with this.