05 August 2021
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The rare Matchbox toy lorry originally cost just 11p
The light grey truck is a replica of an Osram Lamp-branded vehicle from 1916. It was produced by Matchbox in 1961 for its popular Models of Yesteryear range, retailing for two shillings and three pence — 11p in today’s money.
The model is highly sought-after by collectors as it has plastic wheels, which were used on only a few examples at the end of the production run. If it had the much more common metal wheels, it would only have been worth in the region of £20.
The logo is of a London-based electric lightbulb company still operating today.
Julian Royse, of Vectis Auctions, Stockton-on-Tees, said: “This type of lorry was made from 1956 to 1961, but this example is so valuable because of its black plastic wheels. It is safe to say this is one of the highest prices achieved for the Models of Yesteryear range. The vendor is a Matchbox collector and he and we are both delighted with the result.”