BACKGROUND: The Frank Hornby Firm, that was best known for their electric trains, began to make scale models named Modeled Miniatures, as accessories for their train platforms. These models were made in 1:43 scale to match the scale of their train sets. In 1934 the name was changed to Dinky Toys and they were made both in England and in France. Production was halted during WW2 and the first post war Dinky Toy produced was a Jeep. In 1954 the British change their numbering from a two digit plus letter code to a three digit code with the 600 series dedicated to military vehicles. Early post war Dinky Toys had metal hubs with smooth rubber tires, in the mid 50's treaded tires were introduced and by 1972 plastic tire were being used.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An olive green alloy cast replica of a 7.2 inch howitzer that were actually a re-lined version of the 8 inch gun used during WW1 and were a stop gap measure to meet the heavy artillery required by the allies at the beginning of the war. This model consist of a carriage with two cast alloy hub wheels with treaded rubber tires (which indicates mid to late 50's production), a movable metal elevation wheel and tilting barrel. Embossed to the underside of the carriage is the text "7.2 Howitzer", "Dinky Toys", "Made in England", "Meccano Ltd" and the model number "693". The model is in good condition with one tire starting to split, some paint wear to the edges and paint chips in the barrel.

GRADE***3/4                             PRICE $58.00 (Or Best Offer)