Lesney Matchbox 1-75

Lesney Products dates back to 1947, when a couple of unrelated Smiths who had served in the Royal Navy (one Leslie and Rodney) pooled resources and formed a company based on the first and last three letters of their christian names. The pair’s intention was to manufacture die cast products, and to that end they purchased some secondhand equipment. Toys were not their initial focus but a year later the pair produced a model of the Aveling Barford Road Roller.

Over the next four years other toys emerged, including horse-drawn transport, vehicles, animals (notably an elephant and the children’s character, Muffin the Mule) along with a fishing bait press. An eclectic mix, perhaps, but gradually wheeled transport began to dominate. In this manner the seeds were sown for the famous 1-75 range. Woolworths became an early customer for the Smiths and, as output increased, so a marketing agent, one Moses Kohnstam, was drafted in. The latter’s christian and surname initial letters led to him using the Moko tradename in conjunction with Lesney (and indeed other manufacturers): this is why you’ll come across the Moko name on some of the early boxes.

The big collecting differences revolve (literally) around the models’ wheels: these went from grey metal to grey or black plastic before the Superfast models appeared to combat the likes of Mattel’s Hot Wheels.

There’s something extremely satisfying about collecting small scale diecast vehicles. What makes that hobby even more attractive is when the vehicles in question are housed in little colourful boxes. The combination has proved irresistible for two-and-a-bit generations – which is why so many Lesney Matchbox models are to be found in great numbers these days.

Collectors have a tough time of it, though, for although ostensibly there were just 75 models in the first series, subsequent additions, wheel variations, colours and other discrepancies has since swelled that number enormously. With Lesney prices vary, according to age, model and condition. Playworn, chipped and unboxed Lesney vehicles are very common indeed and will only command a few pounds, whilst some, believe it or not, command thousands of pounds…