Model buildings seem to be the the theme for these Saturday posts, and here’s another. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox A-5, the Home Stores Accessory Pack. This little building was introduced to the range in 1961, and was not a hot seller, remaining only until 1962-63. It’s an unusual little thing, and it has good detail for being diecast metal:
The sides have a nice brick finish:
The rear and top are smooth:
While the base is marked similar to a vehicle:
The door has a mail slot, which is a cute touch, and it opens - but there’s nothing inside. The play value is in the detail seen in the windows, one can easily see the Heinz 57 and Oxo brands, along with others, good for a diorama:
A fun thing about this is the scale - what is it? It seems too large for some vehicles, too small for others, as Matchbox scale was widely varied. This makes for interesting comparisons with some of my unboxed/loose models. I suppose the best way to measure scale is door height vs vehicle height. First, a 27a Beford Low Loader - the building is too big:
Then a 45a Vauxhall Victor - maybe pretty close:
The desirable 22b Vauxhall Cresta might be close, too:
This 53a Aston Martin DB 2-4 seems a little large:
While this 4b Massey Harris tractor could be close:
This one is lucky to live in a nice “C” box - I think these were only sold in this box type:
I am happy to have this - it’s a different chapter in Lesney Matchbox history, metal buildings - it didn’t last long. All together now:
I try to include a pic of the real thing - I don’t know if this was based on the “British Home Stores” chain, here’s one from pinterest:
