Model Collector Magazine

Questions & Answers

If you've got a question please email us: lindsey_amrani@ipcmedia.com

RIVER SERIES
Q: Can you identify the origin of a crude model I bought brand new in the 1960s from a seaside shop in Folkestone, Kent? It is a model of a split screen Standard Vanguard estate with the body in three-tone black, cream and chrome finish. The chrome appears to be painted and the model has a base that looks like it could mount a friction motor, although mine has never had one. I also have a similar model of a Ford Prefect in green, which looks like it’s from the same manufacturer. P.R. A: These two models were part of the River Series, made by Jordan & Lewden Ltd of London, E9. Very little is known about the company, which was incorporated around 1950. In the past, collectors often attributed the River Series to DCMT (Die Casting Machine Tools Ltd), the makers of Lone Star toys, possibly because the DCMT factory in Palmers Green, north London was known as ‘River Works’. Unfortunately this error has been perpetuated over the years in several published books and articles, but is quite incorrect. The models were available painted or chromed and earlier examples had friction motors. Your Standard Vanguard sounds like it was a chromed model that has been partly repainted. An article on the series appeared in Model Collector, April 1999, and can now be seen online at www.robertnewson.co.uk

CARRIAGE CONUNDRUM
Q: Can anyone identify this carriage? I believe it to be a one of a kind, hand-made, scaled replica 28 inch by 13 inch. Can you advise of its value? R.B. Montreal

A: Items such as this are usually handled by the Works of Art Model Department at Christie’s auctioneers, but they are not particularly sought after. This looks like an early 19th century piece and we’d estimate its value to be in the region of £200 to £500.

EVER READY
Q: I wonder if you are able to help me, please. While clearing out my fathers attic, I came across a boxed model train set of the London Underground made by Ever Ready. It has track and is in good condition. Can you please advise me what this would be worth? B.H.

A: This is quite an unusual set, made in around 1952. On the plus side, it is quite rare and models of London Underground are hard to find in any other form. On the minus side, it is not a ‘system’ set, so cannot be added to or put with any other brands of trains. The train is quite robust, but the box is quite frail and the liner insert is very frail indeed. If it’s all in excellent shape, it’s likely to achieve £150-£200 at auction, if at all worn, £100-£150.

RALLY JAG
Q: I own a boxed Corgi Jaguar XK 120 cream roadster, No. 414, registration NUB 120, circa 1981. Could you tell me its value, please? P.T. Canada
A: According to The Great Book of Corgi this is No. 804, 1952 Jaguar XK120, and was introduced in April 1983, six months before Mettoy went bust. It depicts Ian Applemard’s rally car as entered in the Rallye Des Alpes. It’s an attractive model but, even when mint and boxed, attracts no more than £20.

DESPERATELY SEEKING DECALS
Q: I have been given an early FROG kit of the BOAC Bristol Britannia 1/96th scale but the decal sheet is missing. Would you know of someone who could print a set off for me or may even have a set laying around? A.H. email
A: Visit a big toy fair and seek out a specialist dealer of plastic kits. He may know of the whereabouts of a spare set of transfers, or a mint boxed kit from which the decals can be photographed then printed.

POSTAL ORDER
Q: I’m a keen philatelist and also collect post office models, such as vans, post boxes and figurines of post office personnel, etc. I ‘ve written to one or two post office musuems, hoping for advice on adding to my collection, but their only recommendation is that I write to individual model manufacturers. Can you make any suggestions regarding sourcing additional models on this theme? B.P. Hastings
A: An excellent source of post office models is Roxley Models. Not only do they offer a large selection of collectables on this theme but also produce their own RX range of white metal and resin models and kits. If you contact them they will be able to send you their long running International Post Office and Telecom Models and Kits catalogue – their address is 4, Beckley Parade, Great Bookham, Surrey KT23 4RG – Tel. 01372 452976. If you have access to the internet, you can also take a look at their website – www.roxleymodels.co.uk or email them at roxleymodels@btconnect.com

ANYONE FOR DARTS?
Q: I am now retired, but years ago I had a Daimler SP250. It was quite a car, with a big engine. I was just wondering if there is anyone in England who makes a model of it? J.P. Arkansas, USA

A: In the UK, this 2547cc V8 fibre-bodied sports car was known as the Daimler Dart. Developed in 1959, and of limited production, many of these little beauties were exported to the US. Pathfinder Models, who have now ceased production, made a white metal Dart to 1/43rd scale, reference number PFM 9, shown here in two colour choices. You may source an example through JM Toys (email sales@jmtoys.net).