From the Lesney Matchbox Building to Our Rostrum!

We see some incredible pieces pass through our auction house, but every so often, something truly special arrives that we just must share even if it’s not for sale. This time, it’s an extraordinary piece of Matchbox history that’s proudly on our rostrum.

For decades, collectors have wondered what became of the original signage when the Matchbox factory closed its doors in 1982, before being demolished in the late 1980s. Graham, one of our in-house Matchbox specialists, or, as many know him, the Matchbox Wizard, recently got an unexpected call. Someone had been keeping the sign tucked away in their shed for over 40years. Yes, really!

If you look at the photo, you can see the sign exactly as it once appeared on Lee Conservancy Road, a rare survivor from a golden era of toy history. While this incredible piece isn’t crossing the auction block right now, we couldn’t resist giving it a moment in the spotlight. And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll have the chance to place a bid on it yourself.