Boxes General Discussions including end flaps, both British and French

Greetings all Within the 686 and 641 Topics, various discussions have taken place concerning the unusual extensions that can be found in many box inner end-flaps, or the inclusion of additional printing on an inner end-flap. These extensions and additional printing seems to indicate an experiment by Meccano that would enable a retailer to write the price on the box, leaving that inner flap exposed while on display which can then be hidden once all the flaps are closed and the box and model are sold. As these have been seen in both British and French boxes, I thought having a Topic in both British Dinky Toys and French Dinky Toys would be impracticalso I hope I am correct by commencing this Topic with the Dinky Toys Technical Discussions! The following images are three examples of these unusual inner end-flaps, in a possible order when these occurred, the 1st version in a first issue box, the 2nd in a later issue lighter yellow box and the 3rd being an example found on a French Dinky Toys, the 510 Peugeot 204. There are undoubtedly many more so hopefully, other collectors can add to this Topic.. Kind regards Bruce 20160330/855/0339

Bruce, Thank you for showing your very interesting 641 boxes. I have also found a picture of a box with fourth flap for the 300 Massey Harris tractor. On this one, the aditional fourth flap seems to be attached to the end flap and not on one of the inner flaps.This thread will have to deal with two subjects : 1) Fourth detachable flaps 2) Printed inner flapsBoth were used in France It is thought that the detachable flaps were intended for stock management by the dealers but I will not confirm this yet. I must first find when they were first used and see in the trade catalogs if this is explained.The printed inner flaps were often printed with the type and reference of spare tyres to be used with the model.Sorry, no time for any pictures today, This is on my to do list.

Nothing has happened on this thread in the last eight years.A longtime ago, I found a photo of a box for the # 686 - 25 pdr. gun with an extra flap. Are there any similar boxes ? unsafe link