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: A multi colored cast alloy replica of a British ambulance. It is about 4 1/4" long by 1 1/2" wide by 1 7/8" tall, consisting of a cab with a plastic driver, a box with rear opening doors and four cast alloy hub wheels with treaded rubber tires (which indicates mid to late 50's production). The box has four embossed white painted circles with red painted crosses, one on either side, one on the top and one on the rear doors. There is an unknown divisional marking, to the front and back, which is a square split diagonally from top right to bottom left, blue on top and yellow on bottom. There is a black metal plate riveted to the bottom of the cab and embossed in the under side of the box is the text "Dinky Toys", Military Ambulance", "Made in England", Meccano Ltd" and the model number "626". The model is in excellent condition with only minor paint to one side and a tiny bare spot on the top. Of Note: This model is listed in a 1950's U.S. distributors catalogue for $2.00

GRADE****1/2                             PRICE $62.00 (Or Best Offer)