First Issue Card Boxes

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The Original 'NORVIC' Matchbox which was the inspiration.

The first models were packaged in small matchbox type boxes and in most cases the model was scaled down to fit the box. Collecting the various box types produced for the Yesteryear range is interesting indeed. Many different boxes have been produced and trying to collect one of each in the various ranges can be very satisfying. Some are difficult to source while others are not so. This page contains the type designated Card Box Type and all contained a description of the model on the rear face.

A Type Y1 Abox.jpg (25990 bytes)

The first box issued is known as Type A, and was only issued for Y numbers 1 to 9 only. It has a black model number on the blue background of the end flap. It was very difficult to see the number clearly so perhaps this was why it was changed. The front is a line drawing of the model. There are thick & thin scripts for the box ends on certain models in this range

B Type  Y2b.JPG (72042 bytes)

Next in the range came the Type B, and is basically the same as Type A, but with the number changed to blue in a white circle. Numbers 1 to 14 appeared in this box although numbers Y5, 6 and 7 have yet to be confirmed.

C Type   Y5c.JPG (71650 bytes)

The third box is the Type C and the end number has changed to red in a white circle. but still has the line drawing of the preceding two types. Numbers Y1 to 15 came in this range. Some boxes had 'New Model' printed on the end flaps.

D1 Type Copy of Y9a D1 box.jpg (26385 bytes)

This next range, the D1 Type, went to a completely different format. The model was now shown in color with a plain yellow background. The banner changed to 'Models of Yesteryear' in a bolder script. A very plain box front. The script on the end of the box now describes the model instead of just a number.

D2 Type Y13d2.JPG (74289 bytes)

This next range the D2, is considered one of the hardest to acquire. The background has now become a picture of a scene and the model is superimposed on to it. The end flaps are still plain blue, but the writing is white again. The model designated Y14 has not been seen in this box.

D3 Type Copy of Y9 D3box.jpg (38146 bytes)

Next came the D3 Type. On this box the banner has changed to MATCHBOX and the end flaps are still blue with white script. Models Y3 and Y13 have not been seen in this box. The background picture is still basically the same as previous.

E Type    Y16e.JPG (72149 bytes)

E Type is the next and the box has now included a picture of the model on the end flaps. Models designated Y3 and Y13 are reputed to have no 'MATCHBOX' logo above this end picture, but I have found Y3 and Y13 with and without it ( see Models/Y3-2). The front is still the same pictorial scene.

E1 Type  Copy of Y16 E1box.jpg (39453 bytes)

Following is the E1 Type, the same as the E type but with a ® symbol after  'MATCHBOX' banner. Models Y3 and Y13 have now had the end flap amended and the 'Matchbox' logo added above the picture model.