1950s Vintage Matchbox Lesney 38a Karrier Refuse Collector. Toy Collectible, Made in England. Perfekt för samlare eller som en nostalgisk leksak.

The Matchbox Lesney 38a Karrier Refuse Collector is a classic die-cast toy truck produced in England during the 1950s. Part of the renowned 1-75 "Matchbox" miniature series by Lesney Products, this model holds nostalgic and collectible value for toy enthusiasts and vintage collectors alike.

Manufacturer: Lesney Products, England

Brand: Matchbox

Era Produced: 1957–1962

Series: 1-75 Series (original line of Matchbox miniatures)

Distributor: Early models distributed by Moko (often called "Moko Lesney").

Model Number: 38a

Vehicle Represented: Karrier Bantam Refuse Collector (Garbage Truck)

Material: Metal die-cast (metal/plastic combination for some smaller parts)

Color: Typically grey with silver trim (some variants have slight color differences such as muddy brown)

Wheels: Early versions featured metal wheels, transitioning later to plastic

Distinctive angular cab and refuse container style

Scale: Approximately 1:72 (scaled to fit in a matchbox-sized box)

Packaging: Originally sold in small replica "matchbox" boxes, sometimes with "Moko Lesney" branding; most existing examples are sold loose without original boxes.

Notable Characteristics & Variations
Variant Production Years
Base ColorDecal/Marking Wheels38a (Grey)
1957–1962Grey Cleansing Dept.Metal is rare differences in paint and decal application can affect rarity and value. This example for instance is propably produced for export to non-english speaking countries such as Sweden
Condition plays a significant role—models with minimal paint loss
are most desirable for collectors. This one has no paint loss at all and is in perfect condition.

Collectibility & Value
Desirability: Considered highly collectible, especially in well-preserved condition.

Market: Prices can range from under £20 for worn, loose models to over £200 for rare variants with original packaging and minimal wear.

Historical significance: The 38a model represents the rise of detailed, affordable die-cast vehicles that revolutionized children's toys—and played a major role in establishing "Matchbox" as a leading global die-cast brand.

Trivia & Legacy
The Matchbox name originated from the requirement that toys should fit into a matchbox, a necessity set by Jack Odell's daughter’s school, inspiring the original series size.

Lesney's 1-75 series became iconic, with the 38a Karrier Refuse Collector being among the early models helping to cement the Matchbox brand in collectible toy history.

Later versions of the Karrier refuse truck evolved in color and markings as Matchbox updated its lineup through the 1960s and beyond.

Summary of Key Points
Produced: 1957–1962 by Lesney (England)

Model: 38a Karrier Refuse Collector

Part of: Original Matchbox 1-75 miniatures

Features: Grey die-cast body, metal wheels (some rare black variants as this one)

Collectibility: High, with values reflecting condition, rarity, and the presence of the original box

This charming refuse collector is not just a toy; it's a piece of mid-20th-century British toy-making heritage that continues to delight collectors worldwide.

Looking forward to your bid, good luck in the auction!