My First Big Collection Purchase

[hydra427]

We all can dream about finding that diamond in the rough and this one is no exception. I have finally gone out on a limb and purchased an entire collection. I am not one to normally do something like this but when I saw the extent and quality of this collection I knew I had to find a way. 97% of the cars are from 1957 - 1959 with a few exceptions here and there. The boxes for the most part are in 8.0 or above condition all though there are a few that have seen better days. The unique thing about this collection is the quality of the models. I am a pretty picky grader and once again most of these cars graded out 9.0 or better with a few exceptions as well. These cars all exhibit many of the same traits, rust free axles, wheels that have never seen play, exceptional trim with little if any rubbing off and most of them having gray plastic wheels. I am still waiting to pick up the balance of the collection which is another 71 cars #'s 31 on up. I did manage to pick up a few of the later numbers as I was evaluating the collection. Some of the highlights include (3) #7A Horse Drawn Milk Floats w/gpw, (2) #15A Prime Movers w/gpw, (2) #20A ERF Lorry w/gpw, #27B Bedford Low Loader in dark green, #31B Ford Station Wagon in yellow, (2) #46 Morris Minor in blue. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do.

[kwakers]

What a Great collection you have been lucky to find here Hydra. In looking over all this eye candy I can ask the question as to whether you have pictured only enough models that you have original boxes for? You mention TWO GPW 20As which are VERY Tough codes to find. (I was able to find the red version for our own collection just this past month after years of searching for one). You have only 2 20As in your picture, so maybe you have a trove of unboxed models including the 20A with metal wheels(?). Spectacular Lad, what a sight for a crowd in this day and age...... Kwakers

[mmi]

good that they will remain together as a set
here the dealers steal them $1-8ea then scatter them all over the world for $80+ ea
what country where they in?
what did mama get for christmas?

[durangokid]

John,
Congratulations and what a beautiful collection you've acquired! I am glad that they are staying together also and going to a collector who appreciates the models in such pristine condition -- WOW!
Great photos!
An early Christmas present for sure!

Just curious, did the Collector that you bought them from buy them originally back in the 1950's and hold them all this time or did they acquire them piece by piece over the years?
Thanks for sharing and keep the photos coming...................

Bill

[hydra427]

What a Great collection you have been lucky to find here Hydra. In looking over all this eye candy I can ask the question as to whether you have pictured only enough models that you have original boxes for? You mention TWO GPW 20As which are VERY Tough codes to find. (I was able to find the red version for our own collection just this past month after years of searching for one). You have only 2 20As in your picture, so maybe you have a trove of unboxed models including the 20A with metal wheels(?). Spectacular Lad, what a sight for a crowd in this day and age...... Kwakers

Kwakers, here is a little better picture of the (2) 20A models. All of the models in the collection came in their original boxes. There were approximately 170 items in the collection and a few other pieces as well. The first picture shows the 2 gpw 20A's, the second one shows it next to my maroon model with mw.

[ClOwY]

WOW done,
Gary

[Maestro]

Wow, THAT is what I would call a Christmas gift! Congratulations with this extraordinary find!

[GHOSTHUNTER]

A fabulous display of what appear to be really good condition models. A great Christmas present to yourself John and a great Christmas present for the forum, thank's for showing them here. We obviously look forward to the rest of them.

Ghosthunter.

[radar]

Fabulous.
How many models in total?
Is it a complete 1-75 set.
Enjoyed your pics - Thankyou.
I do t dream about a Lottery win with a big house or fancy yacht. Think Ive seen those pics in my dreams.

[yellowfoden]

Hello John,

Truly and excellent addition to your collection John.

Nice photos as usual and I have been meaning to say I love your cabinet work skills and the restoration to some of your Matchbox display cases.
You will enjoy going through these as you catalogue them.
I always like seeing models like the 18c and 18c with original tracks, these look nice, testament to the quality of rubber components after over 55 years.

When you come to the 73a RAF Refueller can you show us an image or 2 of this variation please.

Looking forward to hearing more about these and it looks like more cabinets are needed, a 2018 project perhaps .

Merry Christmas

Bert