Various Box Types for the YesterYear Range
A box | B box | C box | D1 box | D2 box | D3 box | E box | E1 box | F box | G box | Hg box | Hw box | |
Y1 | 1(h) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2(e) | 2(e) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
(3) |
2conf.
3 |
Y2 | 1(h) | 1 | 1 | 1
2(d),2 |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
3 |
X | 3 | 3 |
Y3 | 1(h) | 1 | 1 | 1(a),1 | 1 | X | 2(e)
2(i)conf. |
2(e) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Y4 | 1 | 1 | 2(e) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3(e) | 3(e) | 3 | 3 | 3
(4) |
(3)
4 |
Y5 | 1 | (1) | 1 | 1
2(e) |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
3 |
3 | 3
(4A) (4C) |
3
4A 4C |
Y6 | 1 | (1) | 2(e) | 2 | 2 | 2(b),2 | 2
(3) |
(2)
3(e) |
3 | 3 | 3
(4) |
3
4 |
Y7 | 1 | (1) | 2(e) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
(3) |
(2)
3(e) |
3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Y8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2(d),2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2, 2(k) | 2
3 |
3 | 3
(4) |
3
4 |
Y9 |
1 | 1(f) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | (2) | 2(e) | 2(c),2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Y10 | X | 1 | 1 | 1
2(e) |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
3 |
3 | 3 | 3 |
Y11 | X | 1 | 1 | 1
2(d),2 |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3(g),3 | 3 |
Y12 | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2(e) | (2) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Y13 | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | X | 2(e)
2(i)conf. |
2(e) | 2 | 2 | 3A | 3A |
Y14 | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | X | 2(e) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3(g),3 | 3 |
Y15 | X | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Y16 | X | X | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Y17 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 1 | 1 |
The boxes are as described previously. The numbers represent 1, 2, 3,and 4th. series models. It shows the range such as it would not be any good looking for say a Y6-2 Bugatti in a A or B box as it doesn't exist in those boxes. Unless you know better!
X = This combination is believed to not exist |
( ) = This indicates that confirmation of existence is required. |
(a) = Different drawings on same type box. Side view or Angled view. |
(b) = Different illustrations. Blue model or red model. Y6 only |
(c) = Different illustrations. Green model or red/gold model. Y9 only |
(d) = Different end flaps. 'New Model' or no 'New Model' in that order. |
(e) = 'New Model' on end flaps. Existence without not confirmed. |
(f) = Different drawing from earlier box. Confirmation req. if both drawings exist in same type box. |
(g) = Different box heights: 2 3/8 in. or 2 1/8 in |
(h) = Exists as thin or thick script |
(i) = Y3 Benz and Y13 model found in E box with the Matchbox logo on end flaps |
(k) = Different description - can be 2 line or 3 line on end flaps and same for front but 2 lines. ( Y8 Sunbeam Motorcycle or Y8 Sunbeam motorcycle and Milford Sidecar ) |
conf.= This version has now been confirmed by myself. I would appreciate any more that you have to list that need confirmation. |
N.B. 'New Model' only on boxes C to E1 for 2nd. & 3rd. series only |
Many thanks to David Boulton. For his work and information on the various box types and this chart. Published in MICA magazines
Some boxes that are on the box chart but had still not been confirmed on the chart as existing. See the 'Box Sets' page for more information on rare boxes.
E Type box for Y3 Benz with 'Matchbox' on end - confirmed
E Type box for Y13 Daimler with 'Matchbox' on end - confirmed
Hw Type box for Y1 Ford - Confirmed
(The Hw box for the Y1 Jaguar SS 100 can have the rear picture with either no text or a model description below the model)
THE VARIOUS BOX TYPES
THE CARD TYPE BOX
(click on picture to enlarge, use back button to return)
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 The first box issued is known as
Type A, and was only issued for Y numbers 1 to 9 only. It has a
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 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 This next range, the D1 Type, went
to a completely different format. The model was now
D2 Type This next range the D2, is
considered one of the hardest to acquire. The background has now
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 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 Following is the E1 Type, the same
as the E type but with a ® symbol after
THE WINDOW TYPE BOX
On this page we commence with the window boxes which enabled customers for the first time to see the model they were buying without having to remove it from the box.
F Type The first was the type known as Pink & Yellow and designated Type F, due to the color on the front. The box contained an inner portion in a light blue color and the rear of the box showed a pictorial picture of the model as well as a description. There are several variants to these boxes (see the Box Sets page for more detail)
G Type This reverted to the type known as Purple & Yellow and designated Type G for the same reason as before. But apart from the color change, nothing else did. The model designated Y2 did not appear in this range, but covered the rest up to Y16.
H Type After the problems at Lesney which saw the end of the Yesteryear models being produced for a few years, a new box was designed for their reintroduction in 1974. This was termed the Woodgrain style and was designated Type H. There are 2 variations on this box concerning the Y number on the top of the box. It can be in either Gold (Hg) or White (Hw) whilst the rest of the text for the model description is in white for both examples.
I Type The next was a departure from the previous in that it was very plain and is called the Straw Box, designated Type I. It was more graphical in design than previous and showed a picture and description on the rear. Again there are various sub types within this range. On the end flap the Y number and model name were smaller on the first issues and underneath the small panel and then became larger and the Y number was included within the small panel with the model name underneath still.
J Type Next was the Maroon box which was divided into 3 main sub-groups. J was Made in England, J1 was made in Macau and J2 was made in China. There are other variations on this box such as that designated Box L which was a gift set of 3 box. These were the main boxes. There are several more after this but for more information please see the Yesteryear book or contact myself for information.
THE BOX SETS
These are completed sets of all known boxes that I have acquired so far in the Yesteryear Range.
I would appreciate if you let me know of any that I have not included on the chart
For some collectors, the acquisition of the boxes is as much a challenge as the collecting of the models themselves. There are some superb period graphics especially on the middle box ranges. As far as difficulty goes, most collectors agree that the Y2-1 'B' Type Bus in the D1 box is one of the hardest to acquire but I would apply this to the Y3-1 Tram with the side on view and full roof in the D1 as well.
BLISTER PACKS
Released in the USA were the type known as 'Blister Packs' These were enclosed in a plastic bubble and sealed onto a backing card with a description of the model. It made them easier to hang up for display purposes and I know of four separate types. The first has the standard Pink & Yellow (F type) box and the other has a red backing card but is essentially an 'E' or E1 version in a blister pack, the last is just a blister with no box included. This range is very hard to acquire and I do not know all the variants available as yet and would appreciate any input.
Do you think the blister packs should be afforded a separate code? They are basically the same version as the E, E1 and F range but with the addition of a card to hang them for display. This does not relate to the last version though, without a box so basically a separate box range altogether. Perhaps the red blister card type would be E2 followed by the Pink & Yellow as F1 and F2 then the plain blister as F3. I presume this by the release of the contained box types but may be wrong on issue dates. I would appreciate any information on these packs.
MOBIL BOXES |
This range was a promotional run that were issued by the Mobil petrol garages. Only 6 models were issued and you had to save up a book of collectors cards, which were issued on petrol purchases. A full book could be redeemed for a model (see the book page for a view of the cards and book) My thanks to Kay Schaber for this picture |
BOX RARITY DISCOVERY
I have just discovered this Yesteryear box. I have never seen this before in all my years of collecting and am presently gathering information on it. It appears to be made under special license for the Japanese market. It shows a picture of what looks like a Ford model T but contains a Y14 Maxwell and the model has a ring of cardboard round it for protection. Will update as soon as I can.
MORE BOX DISCOVERIES
Thanks to Matthias Kremer, who has found the following two box versions on the Pink & Yellow box types
As can be seen, there is a difference in the text under the MATCHBOX and model description. Thanks very much Matthias for this observation. After checking all Pink & Yellow boxes with other collectors, we have now found 4 different types on the Pink/Yellow boxes.
Here is the list of variants on Pink & Yellow boxes (F Type) found so far.
Text below 'MATCHBOX' and the model description | |
TYPE 1 | "MATCHBOX" REGD. T.M. G.B. AND ABROAD----------MADE IN ENGLAND |
TYPE 2 | "MATCHBOX" REGD. T.M. G.B. AND ABROAD----------LESNEY PRODUCTS & CO.LTD. LONDON ENGLAND ----- MADE IN ENGLAND |
TYPE 3 | "MATCHBOX" REGD. T.M. G.B. AND ABROAD-----------MATCHBOX IS THE REGD T.M. OF LESNEY PRODUCTS & CO. LTD. LONDON ENGLAND-----MADE IN ENGLAND |
TYPE 4 | "MATCHBOX" AND "YESTERYEAR" ARE THE REGD T.M. OF LESNEY PRODUCTS & CO. LTD. LONDON ENGLAND (Note: This version also has the small "R" sign on the box top following "Yesteryear") |
This is the list so far. I would appreciate if anyone else has anymore to add to this chart. I would like to again thank Matthias Kremer for his input on this list.
Thanks to Jonathan Robers from Germany for more updates on the F type boxes. Thank You.
New model denotes a new issue that wasn't out in a previous E1 box.
F TYPE BOX
TYPE 1 |
TYPE 2 | TYPE 3 | TYPE 4 | ||||
INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL |
Yellow | Y1 Ford 'T' | Yellow | Y1 Ford 'T' | Yellow | Y1 Ford 'T' | ||
Yellow | Y2 Renault | ||||||
Yellow | Y2 PHV | Yellow | Y2 PHV | ||||
Yellow | Y3 Benz | Yellow | Y3 Benz | Yellow | Y3 Benz | ||
Blue | Y4 Opel | Blue | Y4 Opel | Blue | Y4 Opel | ||
Yellow | Y5 Bentley | ||||||
Blue | Y5 Peugeot (New Model) | Blue | Y5 Peugeot | ||||
Blue | Y6 Cadillac | Blue | Y6 Cadillac | Blue | Y6 Cadillac | Blue | Y6 Cadillac |
Yellow | Y7 Rolls Royce | Yellow | Y7 Rolls Royce | ||||
Blue | Y8 Sunbeam | ||||||
Yellow | Y8 Stutz (New Model) | Yellow | Y8 Stutz - Red | ||||
Yellow | Y9 Simplex - Green | Yellow | Y9 Simplex - Green | Yellow | Y9 Simplex - Green | Yellow | Y9 Simplex - Gold/Red |
Blue | Y10 Mercedes | ||||||
Yellow | Y10 Rolls (New Model) | Yellow | Y10 Rolls | Yellow | Y10 Rolls | ||
Blue | Y11 Packard | Blue | Y11 Packard | ||||
Yellow | Y12 Thomas | Yellow | Y12 Thomas | Yellow | Y12 Thomas | ||
Blue | Y13 Daimler | Yellow | Y13 Daimler | ||||
Yellow | Y14 Maxwell | Yellow | Y14 Maxwell | ||||
Yellow | Y15 Rolls Royce | Yellow | Y15 Rolls Royce | ||||
Blue | Y16 Spyker |
G TYPE BOX
(Please note there are 2 lower print types on these boxes, either thin or bold, thick script)
TYPE 1 |
TYPE 2 | TYPE 3 | TYPE 4 | ||||
INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL | INSERT | MODEL |
Blue | Y1 Ford 'T' | ||||||
No Model issued | No Model issued | No Model issued | No Model issued | ||||
Blue | Y3 Benz | ||||||
Blue | Y4 Opel | ||||||
Blue | Y5 Peugeot | ||||||
Blue | Y6 Cadillac | ||||||
Blue | Y7 Rolls Royce | ||||||
Blue | Y8 Stutz - Blue | ||||||
Blue | Y9 Simplex - Gold/Red | ||||||
Blue | Y10 Rolls | ||||||
Blue | Y11 Lagonda | ||||||
Blue | Y12 Thomas | ||||||
Blue | Y13 Daimler | ||||||
Blue | Y14 Maxwell | ||||||
Blue | Y15 Packard Victoria | Blue | Y15 Packard Victoria | ||||
Blue | Y16 Mercedes Benz | ||||||