| Dinky Toys first appeared on the market in 1933 in Liverpool, England when Meccano Ltd introduced the modelled miniatures. The miniatures were initially intended to be used as model railroad platform accessories. One year later, Meccano introduced a new series of Dinky Toys with specific likeness to particular vehicles.
Their production then spread to France in 1934, with the French and British Dinky Toys being closely related. The thirties saw a large number of the toys manufactured but World War II brought a halt to their production. At this time, the most popular of the Dinky Toys were the 39 sports cars made with a host of buses, trucks, ships, aircrafts, military vehicles and all were a hit on the market.
Post war production started in 1946 after the pre-war stocks were sold during the 1945 Christmas season. New production saw the British Dinky Toys appearing more realistic while a rubber shortage compelled the French to make all-metal toys (including tyres) for some time.
The Dinky Toys in the 50’s and 60’s commanded a huge customer following, with military experts using their models to make their war machines. Today, there is a growing trade of old Dinky Toys, with earlier models in big demand. They fetch premium prices, with a 1960 model fetching up to 10 times the normal price. The post war toys are indestructible except for the tyres that disintegrate with time, and some paint chipping.
The most expensive Dinky Toy ever sold and bought as a collectible was the 1937 Bentalls, the delivery van which was sold for $19,350 in England on October 14th, 1994. |
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