New arrivals

In the Birmingham toy shop, mentioned in post 1171, I was impressed by the models they had for sale, varying from near mint to all sorts of play-worn - and their fair prices. After having returned home I regretted not having bought any toy, especially the shiny near mint red/grey 1st type Foden Wagon. Everthing was fine, except for a stain on the box label and the non-contemporary black block tread tyres. So I contacted the shop and we agreed on a very low price, the model being sent over to me immediately. It arrived and here it is. The rest of the story to be posted soon in the no. 501 Foden Wagon thread. Kind regards, Jan

JanSo very nice! Those first version Fodens have always been dear to me. I did not get one until much later in my collecting career, and then quickly decided I needed to have one of each model. As you and many have noticed, the US catalogs, from 1955 on, for several years, continued to show only the first type, which was very confusing to me as a young boy, as we did not know any of the history. I also really like this particular color combination.....very nicely done, and nice that you were able to re-consider buying it! Best regards, Terry

Thank you for your comment, Terry. The rest of the story to be found in the Commercial Vehicles > 501 thread!

Hi all, It has been a long time since I posted on the Forum. I think this special new arrival deserves its post. I just received a very nice 280g Bentalls Van. Virtually fatigue free. Looking at the photos of the other known examples, which I could find, this one is among the best. I bought it direct from the grandson of Arthur Williams, an avid train and Dinky Toys collector who died in 1979. Sofar I have bought 69 Dinky Toys from this collection. Many rarities and many pre war. I have written an article on it and with the help of Jan Werner for photograpy next week, I hope it will be published in The Journal later this year perhaps. This Bentalls Van will be one of the highlights. Kind regards, Rob

So, Rob, you managed to buy it in the end! Wow, congratulations. Perhaps it's advisable to count your Dinky Toys before I leave next week ... Kind regards, Jan

Hi Jan, Thanks! I will count them next week... Kind regards, Rob

RobCongratulations on what for many would be the buy of a lifetime....at least as far as Dinky Toys are concerned! It is amazing what his grandfather had with those trains! Best regards, Terry

Rob, congratulations on obtaining the almost mythical Bentalls van. it's a wonderful addition to your collection and I hope we'll see more photos of it. I feel a close connection with Bentalls as, when I was a small boy, we lived in Kingston-on-Thames and my father's business was just a few yards from the store. I have happy memories of haircuts in the junior hairdressing department, where we had our hair trimmed whilst riding an elephant or a giraffe, or other exotic animal. In the Christmas season a visit to Father Christmas was always an exciting experience as it would involve a magical journey to get to his grotto. The store also had parades, much like today's carnivals, each of which was a highlight for the whole town. The old store has gone and only the elegant faade remains but Bentalls continues to be an essential part of Kingston life. Bentall's was a marvellous place and it's no surprise that they commissioned these iconic toys in their distinctive livery. I have only a tatty Shredded Wheat version in my collection but it still gives me a good deal of pleasure to own it. I'm sure your pleasure must be enormous to at last include a superb Bentall's van. John

Thank you Terry and John. Nice to know you have such happy memories with Bentalls, John. It came as a complete surprise and a privilege that I could buy the Bentalls Van before it went on eBay. All other models from this collection, I bought on eBay. The model deserves its place in the article that I am writing and it will enhance it for sure. The collection of Arthur Williams keeps surprising me. Kind regards, Rob

Hi all, It took some time to find one, but I finally was able to buy this nice MG Midget Sports with yellow wheels. As far as I know this wheel color has always been pictured on the box. Most likely the red wheels replaced the yellow wheels after a short time for economical reasons, as the interior is painted red as well. I have only seen a few of these. Kind regards, Rob

I've never seen one like that myself, Rob. What a beauty!

Two new additions, one never out of its box, and the other obviously pre-loved. The Field Gun set is marked with the original U.S. price of $2.50, while the Sports Car Set has a price tag dated 4/59 with a price of $1.90, over-written in ink to reflect a further reduction to $1.75! Ah, to have been present for those Dinky Toy 'closeout sales'!