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52a Maserati 4clt /1948, issued 1958, length 61mm, box types B-C and D.
52b B.R.M., issued 1965, length 67mm, box types E and F.










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A couple of 52s:

Here's a few more to add to the group including the # 3 numbered versions:

Did anyone here win this unique example that just sold on ebay with a single '52' decal centered on the nose?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moko-Lesney-Mat ... true&rt=nc

matchbox_n_molars wrote:Did anyone here win this unique example that just sold on ebay with a single '52' decal centered on the nose?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moko-Lesney-Mat ... true&rt=nc

I saw that, but have strong reservations. The only Matchbox model of that period to have a nose-mounted number was the 19c Aston Martin and, even then, it would only have been present on pre-productions. (N.B. I have yet to see photographic evidence of this, but the bonnet clearly displays a decal alignment crescent.) It is therefore implausible that this decal was applied by a worker who had transferred from another line (as may well have been the case with the tail-mounted decals on the yellow 52a).
A model with three decals (two on the side - or, better, tail - plus one on the nose) would be plausible, but a single racing number on the bonnet just doesn't look right and goes against racing practice.
We will never know for sure, but I would be genuinely surprised if, assuming the decal was factory applied, this were to have been sold through a normal retail outlet.

matchbox_n_molars wrote:Did anyone here win this unique example that just sold on ebay with a single '52' decal centered on the nose?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moko-Lesney-Mat ... true&rt=nc

Nothing personal, Greg, but when we post links to auctions as above, could members please get into the habit of adding an auction photograph so that, in years to come, when the listing has long since been deleted by Ebay, we still know what we were talking about?

Idris wrote: Nothing personal, Greg, but when we post links to auctions as above, could members please get into the habit of adding an auction photograph so that, in years to come, when the listing has long since been deleted by Ebay, we still know what we were talking about?

Hi Hugh, I tried to do exactly what you're asking but because the auction photos had that magnification feature I could not get the image to save as a typical photo file. I'm sure there's a way to do it but that's above my level of computer expertise.

matchbox_n_molars wrote:

Idris wrote: Nothing personal, Greg, but when we post links to auctions as above, could members please get into the habit of adding an auction photograph so that, in years to come, when the listing has long since been deleted by Ebay, we still know what we were talking about?

Hi Hugh, I tried to do exactly what you're asking but because the auction photos had that magnification feature I could not get the image to save as a typical photo file. I'm sure there's a way to do it but that's above my level of computer expertise.

Ah, yes! The way to do that is click on the photograph so that you get the big version, save that, and then use e.g. Paint to reduce the size again (see Exhibit A below).

Who owns the copyright on images like this. Is it ebay or the taker of the photo?

johnboy wrote:Who owns the copyright on images like this. Is it ebay or the taker of the photo?

My guess is that it depends on Ebay's T&C, but provided we ensure that the link to the relevant listing is included, then I'm sure no one will take exception since it's essentially free advertising.