Lesney (Matchbox)

[Idris]

although Micheal J. Stannard's "Matchbox 1-75 Series 1953-69 Collectors' Catalogue" must be considered to be dated (it is from 1985), it still represents the best and most comprehensive printed guide to RW Matchbox ever published. It was the starting point for Nick’s online catalogue and appears to have formed the basis for John Houghton’s listings as well. Although plenty of variations have been found in the meantime, it still represents a good starting point for any RW collector wishing to move into more advanced collecting, focussing on detail/casting differences.

The Amazon link is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchbox-1-75- ... d+matchbox. Note that although pictures of the AIM catalogue are used, the ISBN information is correct.

[Taniwha]

Hugh,

I think Stannard and the First 40 Years book are the two essential texts for any serious RW collector. Stannard is a wonderful text, and was always intended to be expanded in the way that Nick and others have done.

Cheers,
Gavin

[Idris]

The "40 years book" (as it is generally referred to), is actually called "Collecting Matchbox Diecast Toys: First Forty Years".
It is a stupendous work, covering all of Lesney's ranges and managing to fulfil the promise of the title.It also has the added advantage of containing first-hand statements straight from Jack Odell (although I believe that subsequent research has revealed his memory to have failed him on a couple of points).
This is a reference book which not only can be read, it i]should[/i] be read, cover-to-cover, and no Lesney collector worth his/her salt, should be without a copy.
Although not particularly rare, it still commands a good price even though the weight makes for expensive postage. For that reason alone, try to buy a copy in person from either a bookshop or a toyfair.
The Amazon page is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collecting-Mat ... x+40+years (although, for some unknown reason, it states that it's a paperback issue).

[58oldsfan]

I found this link to Rodger Darkens' Regular Wheels Guide. I was able to print it out in color and put into a loose leaf binder. I've been wanting to add this book to my collection, but have not been able to locate a copy. Came across this link while hunting for one! http://www.slideshare.net/dieguay/1-75- ... compressed

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I saw Roger's work before I joined the VBD forum and an initial impression is that it is quite comprehensive, but once again is just another approach to attempting to record variations of the models in the range. It is far from approaching the level of information we enjoy through Nick's code lists, probably because the original format would have or may have been the printed media which is difficult to keep updated, so it is a good reference work and will be of use to beginner collectors.

Example:
#24c Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Roger Darkens reference=4 versions.
Nick Jones reference=9 versions.

Ghosthunter.

[58oldsfan]

Agreed. Just had to have a copy in my library! I guess I'm a "completeist" - not sure if that's actually a word! I'm still looking for The Bumper Book of Lonestar, Newson's Budgie book, along with a few others that seem to be unobtainable.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I'll enquire about Robert Newson's Budgie book for you. If you're lucky you might get a signed copy.

Ghosthunter.

[tractorboy]

I found this link to Rodger Darkens' Regular Wheels Guide. I was able to print it out in color and put into a loose leaf binder. I've been wanting to add this book to my collection, but have not been able to locate a copy. Came across this link while hunting for one! http://www.slideshare.net/dieguay/1-75- ... compressed

Thank you for comments. I have just written to a UK collector who asked why my guide was not as comprehensive as the Houton guide. Thought you might be interested in my reply. By the way I have updated my guide to now include King Size, Major Pack, Accessory etc. see here


The aim of my guide was a personal one, in that I often had a number of reference books open to find year of construction, size, boxes & variations. My early references (from local library) were the Schiffer, Johnson & Ramsey's books. Frustrated with this I started my own guide, combining the information I wanted. The other aspect that the above had was the lack of current values, I continually update mine by referencing sales on eBay, TradeMe & Vectis auctions to get a median values.

A big leap forward was when I acquired a photocopy of the Stannard's Guide and realised there were many more variations. Later I also got John Houton's version. Rather than duplicate all that detail I wanted a quick guide to visible variations and didn't worry about the internal castings (pips, blocks, etc).

The next leap was Nick Jones's excellent reference site: Moko Lesney Matchbox 1-75 Series (like an on-line Stannards that keeps getting updated) I also became a member of that die-cast forum.

I was still however flicking between books, sites to get information on the other range of models (I specifically collect Moko/Lesney/Matchbox in the period 1953-1969) e.g. King Size, Major, etc so I set to to add these to what was now turning into a more polished guide that I could reference easily. For more detail I access Nick's website if required.

My current guide has fewer pages that Houton's (due to formatting) but has a greater range to include the above but does not have the detail. It is intended to be a quick reference and perhaps best suited to the enthusiast who is beyond the beginning stages. I have an Excel document for my personal collection for which I use Nick's site to catalogue due to the greater detail.

The reason I started printing off copies was when I shared what I was doing with NZ collectors a number were keen to have a copy and it grew from there (the early versions were fairly basic, just 1-75 series & photos from my collection but was well received). As I sold more copies so I widened my contacts and began to get collectors sending me photos of rare variations that I was able to include (more than Houton). It has been more a labour of love than for profit - hence the self publishing.

[Tinman]

although Micheal J. Stannard's "Matchbox 1-75 Series 1953-69 Collectors' Catalogue" must be considered to be dated (it is from 1985), it still represents the best and most comprehensive printed guide to RW Matchbox ever published. It was the starting point for Nick’s online catalogue and appears to have formed the basis for John Houghton’s listings as well. Although plenty of variations have been found in the meantime, it still represents a good starting point for any RW collector wishing to move into more advanced collecting, focussing on detail/casting differences.

The Amazon link is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchbox-1-75- ... d+matchbox. Note that although pictures of the AIM catalogue are used, the ISBN information is correct.

The reprint of the Stannard by Bill Aprile is still available for anyone who wants one. His selling price is $125.00 and it ships from the USA.