Book Description
It's all here! Fifty-four years of toys! The toys pictured and listed in this book represent the immense volume of items produced from 1947, when the Matchbox company was founded, to mid-2001, including their popular diecast vehicles along with playsets, dolls, plastic kits, robots, and ephemera all in one massive volume--now in its third edition! The international scope of Matchbox toys is illustrated through catalogs, boxes, and labels on toys printed in a dozen languages. Certain toys have been made for sale in specific countries or to promote specific companies or products. The numbering system on miniatures changed in 1982 when worldwide toys began different numbering systems. The result of all these variables is a fascinating and infinite variety of Matchbox toys.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best books on Matchbox Toys........2005-09-06
Its a big book and plenty of clear colour photos of so many examples throughout.covers every era of Matchbox toys.This type of book is superior over the wide but short books printed by this publisher.There is so much information here no matter whether you are devoted collector or just love looking at the old toys you had.This book will please most people.Its good value and high quality.
Great Matchbox reference book !!!.......2000-09-16
This is a great reference book, full of details and history about evolution of Matchbox toys. If you love Matchbox, this is a must. Charlie Mack is a true expert on the subject, and this is for sure the most complete and updated information about the subject. The only complains are: cover picture is not representative at all. Pictures are excelent but could be larger for the "reg. wheels" and "miniatures", and several rare cars and boxes are ommited (no space probably). However, "Tomart's Price Guide for Hot Wheels" have a much better and contemporary graphic design and many more pictures in a smaller book, and also with more description of individual models.
Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys Review.......2000-06-29
I feel this is a great book. Why? It has very much attention to the details of the hobby. The pictures are helpful. They price guide is quite accurate and good for reference. Mr. Mack did a wonderful job putting this book together. Alot of time and energy must have went into the book and it paid off. I recommend it to new and experienced collectors alike. Great book!
A very comprehensive and accurate guide to Matchbox toys........1999-06-26
This book thoroughly covers the vast line of Matchbox Diecast from its early begiinings as Lesney and the regular wheeled vehicles up to the present just before Mattel procured Matchbox. It is accurate, comprehensive, and well thought out. The photography is excellent, much better than Charles Mack's earlier books. Pricing is optimistic but because this book is the foremost authority of Matchbox I believe dealer/retail prices are based on the information herewith. An excellent resource for any serious collector.
The best Matchbox book and price guide........1998-09-17
This book has a photo of every model made since Lesney made a crude toy in 1948. The largest and most complete price and variation guide around. The only Matchbox book you need
Book Description
When the alarm sounds, firefighters must put out a blaze in a city building.
Follow the Extending-Ladder Fire Truck on its adventure. Then make up adventures for your own Fire Truck.
Includes tips for parents on teaching school-readiness concepts.
Book Description
Matchbox vehicles, from cars and trucks to tractors and trailers, produced in series 1 through 75, from 1953 to 1969, are presented here in both detailed text listings and over 370 vivid color photographs. Variations of each vehicle manufactured are described, and many are shown. Various box styles used throughout this period are presented. Prices for the Matchbox vehicles and their variations are listed in this easy-to-use text.
Customer Reviews:
Great guide for collectors.......2007-06-16
This has become THE book to go to for pictures and information on specis and versions of pre-1970 Lesney Matchbox cars. Needed if you are serious about collecting, or, just want to see the neat cars and trucks.
Great Matchbox Resource for Regular Wheel Collectors.......2006-11-18
Overall this book is one of the best printed resources I own, which is still in print, for collecting regular wheel series Matchbox and has become dogged eared from use. Most of the major variations are listed for both models and boxes to boot! Prices of these little treasures are always in flux, but this guide gives you a decent jumping off point.
The bible of Lesney Matchbox Collecting.......2006-11-05
Excellent book for the new collector or the seasoned veteran. Plenty of pictures with clear explanations. Every Matchbox collector should own this book.
Cons: Being Copywrited in 2001 makes some of the pricing a bit stale. The photography is clear and a great resource, however, it is not the best technical photography I have seen. Also, to be fair, I should note that I am a retired professional graphic artist/photographer, so my criticism may not be relavent to the average person.
Valuable Collectors Guide For early Series.......2006-02-20
If you are a Matchbox regular wheels collector, 1953 - 1969 series, then this is the book for you. Very clear pictures of both model and box variations from the early Lesney period. While a number of the very rare MB variations aren't present which is a shame e.g. red version of model 45 - A Vauxhall Victor (photo recently on eBay auction), this doesn't detract from its usefulness as an overall guide, hence the four star rating. Book was printed in 2001 so its price listing value is a little bit dated but this is due only to the passage of time which is to be expected - e.g. model 33 - C - 1 shown as being US$400 - $650 in this book but in his own Encyclopedia edition (2002) the same model variation is shown as shown as being US$250 - $300. Just proves that as a collector you need a good range of MB guide books to help you and a little bit of wisdom & experience.
Book Description
Our fourth edition promises to be the most user-friendly Matchbox collector's guide ever produced. While most publications on this subject are organized by model number or year of introduction, this book is arranged alphabetically by model name and description. Well over a thousand photographs are included in this latest edition, with multiple variations pictured of selected models, all incorporated into a cohesive guide to early Lesney models, the Matchbox basic (1 - 75) series, Two-Packs, Matchbox Collectibles, 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Dana Johnson is an authority on collectible toy cars, including Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and many diecast models. His extensive personal collection includes mostly diecast models from all over the world. He has written several books: Matchbox Toys, 1947 to 2003, Toy Car Collector's Guide, and Collector's Guide to Diecast Toys Scale Models. REVIEW: This book will have collectors racing to the bookstores. It is an all-new revised edition, this time organized alphabetically by model name and description for ease in identification. Well over 1,000 photographs are included.
Customer Reviews:
good stuff.......2007-01-14
i can track my collectible item from this catalogue.
this book help me a lot
thanks
ari
Matchbox collecting supplement, not a necessity.......2005-10-10
I collect superfast Matchbox from 1969-present. This book only lists 1-75 (1/64th scale) Matchbox cars which is fine for my use. It is good becasue it lists all models in alphabetical order so you can cross-reference the number (1-75) of the model - most model numbers are not imprinted on late model cars so it is helpful in that respect. However, I found it lacking in the number of variations it listed. There is no consistent differentiation between wheel type (other than RW and SF), interior color, stickers/decals or other minor variations. This guide does not use the same numbering system as Charlie Mack's Encyclopedia (e.g. 14 A 3) making it difficult to have the references compliment each other. This guide does list more recent models where as Charlie Mack's guide is typically long overdue when a new edition comes out. But again, this one is not as complete regarding model variation so you may not know if you are collecting all the variations of a particular model you want in your collection. Another positive point of this book though is that not all pictures are of perfect cars -- the cars in the photos have a little play wear and is more reflective a practical collectors cars rather than some ideal collection most of us will never have. Lastly, in comparison to Charlie Mack's guide, I find it nice becasue most of this book does dedicate it's picture space to the 1-75 models. One of the dissappointments I have found with Mr. Mack's guide is that it lists a lot of subtle variation (i.e. light blue, mid blue and dark blue Soopa Coopa) but does not show pictures on how to tell the difference (neither does this one -- it doesn't even try to differentiate). Also, much of the picture space in Mr. Mack's guide is with models that no one I know really collects (i.e. NOT 1-75 series, super kings and models of yesteryear). I'm still not sure where 1/2 of the pics in Charlie Macks book come from (I've been collecting MB superfast for 20 years) -- perhaps thats why it is called an encyclopedia. Dana Johnson's book simplifies things but does not take it to the next level by any means.
Basically, I use Dana Johnson's book as a supplement to find model numbers so I can look up varaitions in late model cars in Charlie Mack's guide. I do think Mr. Macks guide can be too complete, in that it lists more model variations than most people can possibly collect. However, Dana Johnson's guide is too incomplete. I prefer Mr. Macks guide becasue it lists all known variations and allows me to decide which variations I think are significant to collect.
everything covered.......2005-09-20
It is amazing to see every single matchbox diecast ever made into production grouped under one title. You can easily assess the value of your cars and hit the road to find precious collectables with this very usefull guide.
Collectors Book.......2004-12-15
Interesting book with a bias in its pictures towards Matchbox models released in the last 10 years. Great that it concentrates almost wholly on the 1-75 series Matchbox models which is all I collect. Very useful if combined with other books as a model identification guide, especially as this one is in alphabetical order and up to 2003 year. I would rate it as less than useful in terms its value to me as a price guide. There are better and more accurate books around reflecting international prices especially of the 1953 to 1969 series issues.
An Unbiased Summary by the Author.......2004-06-22
The benefit of this book is in its arrangement. For the first time in any toy car price guide, models are listed alphabetically by model name, making this the easiest-to-use Matchbox toy collector's guide ever published.
The only compromise, due to time constraints by the publisher, is that the book only lists three-inch models, which leaves out Major Pack, Kingsize, Models of Yesteryear, Skybusters, and larger Matchbox Collectibles, hence the 4-star rating. This will thankfully be remedied with the release of Volume 2 in 2005.
Book Description
The School Bus is late!
Will the children get to school on time?
Follow the School Bus on its adventure. Then make up adventures for your own School Bus.
Includes tips for parents on teaching school-readiness concepts.
Customer Reviews:
Car Accompanies Book.......2001-01-19
The best thing about this new line of books from Matchbox and the Pleasant Company is that the vehicle featured in the story is included with the book. We have four of the eight and intend to get the other four. This story features a tow truck that rescues a car after it skids on the ice and gets "crunched". My son loves "reading" the books and using the vehicle to act out the stories.
Car Accompanies Book.......2001-01-19
The best feature of this new line of books by Matchbox and the Pleasant Company is that each book comes with the vehicle that the story is about. We have four and this is my son's favorite because it comes with a light green Volkswagon Beetle (his favorite type of car). My son enjoys "reading" the book to himself and acting out the story. We intend to get the other four in the series.
Book Description
Dana Johnson Dana Johnson, author of Diecast Toys Scale Models, Toy Car Collector's Guide, and Matchbox Toys, 1947 to 2003, Fourth Edition, is at it again! His first volume is the most user-friendly Matchbox guide ever produced, and his second promises to be the same. This all-new volume covers Major Pack models, Kingsize, Models of Yesteryear, and larger Matchbox Collectibles. The Dinky Collection from Matchbox, Skybusters, Convoy/Super Rigs, Two-Packs, and much more are featured. Over 200 color photographs enrich this alphabetical guide to Matchbox's 'other' toys. No more will you have to flip page after page hunting for the car you're looking for - this book makes locating it a snap!
Customer Reviews:
Waste of Money.......2007-06-16
I have many Matchbox reference books. This is the one I would use least of all because it is incomplete, poorly set out, poorly referenced, and overall gives the appearance of something which has been tossed together because it was MB material surplus to Vol 1. In other words, a total waste of buyer's money. So be cautioned people - don't go there.
great dealer.......2007-05-15
this book was in great shape and just what he said it was.
Book Description
For over half a century Matchbox vehicles have entertained children and collectors of all ages. This book is a celebration of the classic toy car from its inception to today.
Take a historical journey through the past fifty years with Matchbox vehicles. Along the way, you'll read about how Matchbox cars were invented, the history of diecasting, and the large variety of vehicles produced over the years.
Have you ever wondered why certain vehicles are considered more collectible than others? Or why Matchbox cars are numbered and what those numbers mean? The answers to these questions and more can be found throughout the pages of this authoritative book.
Accompanying the informative text are photographs of more than a thousand spectacular vehicles from throughout Matchbox history and its diverse product lines.
Customer Reviews:
Great photos & stories; missed opportunity.......2005-03-05
This book has incredible details about the business of Matchbox, its incarnations over the years, and its related companies. The production quality of the book itself is top-notch (for example, the photos jump right out at you), but there are some features that detract from what could have been the definitive coffee-table book on the subject.
There are some notable errors in the photo captions, and some photos are re-run on the same or neighboring pages. The book identifies "rare" color schemes for the models, but inaccuracies makes one wonder about the credibility of those assessments (examples of glaring errors: reversing the identifications of the Iso Grifo and the Ford GT, or showing regular wheel vehicles from the mid-1960s under the caption of "Superfast" vehicles, which did not come around until 1969). At times the photos are shown on page after page with no real connection to each other. In that respect, the book lacks basic organization of the photo content (although the informative articles are arranged chronologically).
This is not a price guide, nor is it a comprehensive listing of the multitude of Matchbox products over the 50 years covered by the book.
I suspect the typical customers of this high-end book will be devout Matchbox collectors. They may not perceive this as the valuable half-century compilation the publishers had probably hoped for.
Book Description
-Features photos that capture all the character and sleek design of Matchbox
-Rare, mint condition Matchbox vehicles fetch as much as $2,500 at auction
-A low price point makes this a great gift and easily accessible to any collector
Great things definitely come in small packages -- 500,000+ collectors of Matchbox vehicles will attest to that. This pocket-size guide gives collectors much-needed portability, and more than 700 stellar color photos to help identify their favorite cars. This book contains:
-Accurate prices and descriptions to help collectors make smart choices when buying and selling
-Advice on where to find cars
-Reliable facts jam-packed into a fun and handy format
Collectors are always looking for the rare find to enhance their collection and accurate pricing advice, and this fact-packed guide delivers.
Customer Reviews:
Best Little Book on Matchbox.......2006-11-18
It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.
Excellent Guide--very handy and helpful.......2006-07-05
Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!
Reasonably priced and useful introductory guide to collecting Matchbox models.......2006-06-15
This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.
With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.
While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.
The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.
Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!
Finally ! A Matchbox Guide we can carry around with ease........2006-05-24
Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
For the price, you can't beat it!
Definitely worth every penny.
Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
It will be a hit, Just watch.
Thanks Tom :)
just another fine book in the Warman's series.
Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)
sincerely
Burney Reid
"Diecast Enthusiast"
Coquitlam, B.C.
Canada
A MATCHBOX COLLECTOR.......2006-05-20
This is one fine little book. The pictures are superb and the text is short and concise. This book would work well for the seasoned collector as well as a collector that is new to Matchbox.
Book Description
When Mattel's Hotwheels toy cars exploded onto the market in 1968, venerable Matchbox Toys met the challenge with its Superfast line. The successful result is now presented in the largest book on Matchbox Toys ever produced - so big it is two volumes that celebrate 35 years of Matchbox Superfast production with over 7000 color photos and over 10,000 listed variations! The detailed, beautiful photographs are a great assistance to collectors for identification and color reference. The Variation Listings, found in Volume 1, are arranged alphanumerically by product numbers, making location and cross-referencing easy. Photos are arranged by major product lines, with Basic Models in Volume 1, and everything else from Adventure Pack to White Rose Collectibles arranged alphabetically in Volume 2. Superfast models from late 2004 and early 2005 also appear in Volume 2. Each photo includes the product number and name for easy reference to the Variation Listings. To further aid in identification there are helpful indexes by MAN number and model names (actual base names), as well as a general alphabetical index. The model variations have current market prices for each variation. Taken together, these two great books are a must for Matchbox collectors everywhere, a monumental effort by one of the world's greatest authorities! Volume 1: Over 2050 Color Photos of Basic Models Illustrated ¥ Promotionals ¥ Miniature 1-75 Basic Listing ¥ Variations Listing with Values Volume 2: Over 5000 Color Photos of Adventure Packs & Action System to World Class Models with late 2004 Models ¥ Alphabetical Index ¥ Index to Annual Basic Range Listings 1998-2004 by Issue Numbers (MW numbers) ¥ MAN Number (frame number) Listing ¥ Alphabetical Index by Actual Base Names
Customer Reviews:
This Is a Book Which Grows In Its Reference Value.......2007-06-16
I have purchased both of Mack's MBSF books. This one sat there for a while pretty much unused, whereas Vol 1 got opened every day. However, as I get more into what this volume actually contains, I am finding in it a wealth of additional MBSF reference material e.g. on model number and name indexes, variation themes & product lines, etc, etc. This is making it a very valuable guide and companion supplement to Vol 1, especially given the wealth of MB issues since the 1990's. I consider it well worth the asking price for the serious MB collector. Give it time and it will prove its worth.
LOTS of data, few pics.......2007-04-02
This book is a great technical reference for those looking for variation listings. It does NOT provide a lot of pictures, or back story. A little more content on the development of the Superfast line would have been nice, but this book does serve a purpose to those chasing variations of certain models.
I also have Vol II of this book, and it is the same format.
This book is only half the story........2006-11-05
Helpful guide, however, it is part of a two volume set and you really need both volumes to effectively use this guide. Listed above is Volume 2 and it is loaded with pictures. The information that gives relavence to the pictures is contained in Volume 1. (Volume 1 has a blue title block and several red squares on the cover.) The 4 star rating is for the pair, this book by itself would only get 2 stars from this user.
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Toys
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Matchbox Toys 1947-2003: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys)
Collecting Matchbox*t Regular Wheels, 1953-1969
The Big Book of Superfast Matchbox Toys: 1969-2004: Product Lines and Indexes (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values And Identification (Warman's Field Guides)
Hot Wheels The Ultimate Redline Guide: Identification and Values 1968-1977 (Hot Wheels the Ultimate Redline Guide)
