Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we take have the final installment of non-vehicle accessories in this round of reviews. This is Matchbox Accessory Pack A5a, the Home Stores building. This Accessory Pack entered the range in 1961, remaining in a short run until 1962, and another item not seen in the diecast world - this time, a scale model of a grocery store building. Detail is excellent on this piece, with precise brickwork on the sides adding a quality feel, but the real fun is in the front. Scale is tough to guess, but likely relatively close to the typical Matchbox series vehicle of the era, maybe in the 1:60s range. From all angles, one can imagine popping in here and spending a few shillings on a meal or a treat:
The front window display is busy. The Home Stores decal, the glazing, the door, and then the display - Heinz 57 (very popular in Britain) is a brand easy to spot, and there appears to be a good representation of a Rice Krispies box at right. This view also shows the opening front door with maybe a mail slot:
The base identifies the model and maker:
This set is fortunate enough to live in its nice original Type C box, I believe the only box type made for this item:
I'm pleased to have this in my collection, as it has ample period charm. Pictured with an old time for scale:
Pictured with some representative castings of the era:
Image of a British Home Stores location from pinterest - this longstanding British department store chain has a similar name to the Matchbox model, unsure if these were meant to be related:
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