17a Removals Van

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) lists a model as variation code 17-1C which is green with stencilled lettering. Unfortunately, no further details are provided. Has any Member anything similar?

I have two examples of this Bedford van that may be what was described as "stencilled lettering." Many years ago I was puzzled by why the only green van I owned (at that time) had no clear(ish) rectangular decal film around the lettering, just the letters themselves on the sides. Since the model is not mint, I had almost convinced myself that the decal film had somehow "evaporated" over the years, leaving just the lettering, but then at a local toy show i found another the same. Both models are used, not mint, but in pretty good condition, with most of the lettering intact. After looking closely at them back then, my best guess is that the lettering was screen-printed directly onto the sides of the vans — but I could be wrong! According to my notes in my Stannard catalog, these models would probably be coded 17a6 and 17a8 (if they had regular decals); typical mid-run models with flat-head axles, one of each type of axle brace, middling amount of infill between cab and van body.

I recently came across this example (in an Ebay listing) of a 17a decal which has lost almost all the carrier film but retained the lettering! Could this be the source of the 'stencilled lettering' variation?

[Tinman]

Interesting, the screen printing of the decal film has protected the film beneath.

[58oldsfan]

Would anyone have a pic showing the two axle variations on the 17A ? I'm trying to catalog one I just acquired, and am now questioning whether I have my others cataloged correctly. Stannard shows the axle brace sloping to one side. On all of my examples, it looks as if the brace is straight, but the axle is crooked. I was hoping someone would have a side by side pic. Thanks!

[58oldsfan]

Would anyone have a pic showing the two axle variations on the 17A ? I'm trying to catalog one I just acquired, and am now questioning whether I have my others cataloged correctly. Stannard shows the axle brace sloping to one side. On all of my examples, it looks as if the brace is straight, but the axle is crooked. I was hoping someone would have a side by side pic. Thanks!

Nevermind ! I figured it out. I was looking directly down on the axle and couldn't see the slope. I looked closer from an angle and noticed the slope is very easy to see on one of my examples.