#1056 MATCHBOX - OFFICIAL MATCHBOX SERIES COLLECTOR'S CASE (1968)

Another entry devoted to Matchbox die-cast, and another entry dealing with something unusual, as it is this carrying case from the mid to late 60s. I have seen many of these in Austria, but strangely, never saw any in Spain. I always wanted to have at least one to classify some die-cast models, although, in the meanwhile, I have discovered more efficient ways to store them in less space.

The box is made of plastic and comes with a (now useless) metal closing tab. It is decorated with the front of a matchbox box "regular wheels" showing the Ford GT model. I cannot see it very well as its previous owner put a sticker on top of it, that I didn´t want to remove (it is also representative of the time, as it is an appeal to bring more security to the conscripts doing the military service in Austria). There are several models of this case, each of them with different pictures in the front.

The interior has space for four stackable trays of plastic, each of them with capacity for 12 cars, although, depending on the models, you can squeeze two in the space of one. There were other types of cases (less common ones) with capacity for 12, 24, 72 or 96 models. The plastic body can be flattened for reasons which are unknown to me: it is too small to act as a playing mat and it is not decorated in the inside.

Other shapes and materials are not covered in this listing. Consider there were some made of paper or plastic, with the shape of a trailer truck, or a steering wheel. Some had removable trays, other had them fixed. Matchbox has been active during many years, and there was a lot of experimentation and fun invested also in these side-products.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: OFFICIAL MATCHBOX SERIES COLLECTOR'S CASE
• Scale: For 1:64/3 inches cars
• Year: 1968
• Company: Matchbox (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 32x27x9 cm