Some advice regarding Dinky toys

[crohamblues]

Hi there

hope someone can give me a steer on how to identify the age of some dinky toys. I have a collection of six delivery vans amongst other things. They include

Pickfords
Palethorps
Lukasfilms
Ensign Cameras
Marches sausages
Machester guardian

and others

They say Meccano Dinky toys underneath and are all made of two parts, I think they may be pre war, but am not sure. Doesn't anyone have some tips on what to look for

thanks

[Idris]

Any chance of a photograph?

[crohamblues]

not sure I know how to..

[crohamblues]

[crohamblues]

[GHOSTHUNTER]

With one of those models, can you VERY GENTLY squeeze the model between your fingers and thumb and tell if the metal is wanting to bend easily or NOT bend at all.

[crohamblues]

hi, they do bend if pressure is applied. The rear more than the front

[GHOSTHUNTER]

OK, do you have a means of measuring the thickness of the axles such as a micrometer. If yes, please measure the axles on at least two of the Vans.

[crohamblues]

Hi

not that accurate but all are just less than 2mm. Id say 1.8mm photo attached

[GHOSTHUNTER]

OK thanks.

1.8mm is pretty close to the axles used pre-war and the fact these models do tend to bend when gentle pressure is applied is suggesting the six Vans you have with the sides trimmed in these names:

Pickfords
Palethorps
Lukasfilms
Ensign Cameras
Marches sausages
Machester guardian

Does indicate this is a complete set of the 28 Series Vans.

The gentle bending should confirm these as original lead models so there should not be any signs of fatigue such as any cracks.

This is my view based on the pictures and the information you have given me.

I am not a Dinky Toys expert but know enough to suggest you look after these very carefully and do not pack them together but in separate tissue paper pieces to minimize any damage and keep them in their own box away from the other models I can see in your pictures.

We have other members here on the forum who will comment on these models and I am sure will come to the same conclusion I have that these are a valuable set of models and if taken to auction will realise a reward for you.

Ghosthunter.