Lesney Matchbox time is here again. Today we take a look at Matchbox Accessory Pack A4a, the set of road signs. This set entered the range in 1960, remaining in a short run until 1961, and is a item seldom-seen in the modern diecast world. This time, the unusual item is a set of cast metal road signs, representative of British sign designs of the period. Now and then a toy maker will release a set of signs for play value, and no doubt many have beeb made for model railroad layouts, but I can't think of any others of this era or newer cast in metal. Scale is tough to guess, but likely relatively close to the typical Matchbox series vehicle of the era, in the 1:60s range. From all angles, one can imagine these these signs guiding drivers anywhere in Blighty:
The signs have a base identifying the maker:
This set is lucky enough to live in its original Type B box:
I'm happy to have these in my collection, they have a pleasing aesthetic. Pictured with an old time for scale:
Pictured with some representative castings of the era (I assume the white striping of the poles was added by a prior owner, as I have not seen it on other examples):
Image of a period sign, apparently still in use, from wikipedia:
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