Pictured left is a pre war Dinky Toys 3e Newsboy (running) produced c.1932-39, this is the larger figure (40mm) and not to be confused with the post war version which is slightly smaller at 35mm.

For a complete list of figures and accessories produced by Dinky Toys take a look at our lastest Dinky toys price guide, which catalogues every model & colour versions produced by the company

Pictured left is Dinky Toy No.732 Gloster Meteor

The first flight of the Gloster Meteor took place in March 1943 and upon being fitted with a Rolls Royce Welland engine gave a top speed of  410 mph and flying range of 500 miles. It became fully operational in July 1944 with the RAF 616 Squadron.

Dinky Toys introduced their 70e Gloster Meteor in 1946-49 and in 1952 reissued/renumbered the model 732. Early versions have a blued cockpit and have larger roundels than the later issue. Both issues came in trade boxes of 6

For more details see our Dinky Toys Price Guide

Pictured is a very rare 1^st type Dinky Toys 28b Delivery Van in blue Pickords livery which recently sold for £1800. This is the 1^st type version cast in lead (and prone to fatigue) and is easily identified by its two piece casting.

Three casting variations of the 28 & 280 Series Delivery Vans exist, explained as follows:

1933-35 (1^st Type) – two piece lead cast model; either HORNBY SERIES  or DINKY TOYS cast inside the cab roof, square diamond pattern tin plate radiator, brightly plated or coloured solid metal wheels. Measures 84mm

1935-39 (2^nd Type) – one piece diecast model, vertical ridge shield shape radiator, smooth wheel hubs usually with white tyres, In general all 2^nd type models show advertising. Measures 81mm

1939-41 (3^rd type) – one piece diecast model, impressed squares within radiator, open rear windows, smooth wheel hubs usually with black tyres. In general all 3^rd type versions show advertising. Measures 83mm

1947-54 (3^rd type) – slight variation from above, the same one piece diecast model, impressed squares within radiator but with closed rear windows, ridged black wheel hubs with black tyres. No advertising. Measures 83mm

For more information see our Dinky Toys Price Guide.

We have been asked on numerous occasions to explain the difference between Code 1, 2 & 3 models. Here is the recognised explanation:

Code 1 – Standard catalogue and/or promotional models that are factory produced and have any advertising/promotional decals applied in the factory.

Code 2 – Models that are used for promotional purposes but advertising/promotional decals are applied outside the factory by a 3^rd party.

Code 3 – Models that are adapted from an original factory made model (i.e. colour change) by a 3^rd party and have advertising/promotional decals applied by said 3^rd party.

The picture shows Code 1 example of a rare Dinky 410 Bedford Van for John Gay