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Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, starting tomorrow, Monday, July 20th, and running until Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Tekno – Volvo N88 dépanneuse Falck 436 – C.I.J. – Citroën 1200Kgs police 3-89 – JRD – Citroën 2cv’51 fourgonnette 111 – Tekno – Volvo N88 Titan dépanneuse Svensk Räddningstjänst 436
I remember...
…from a visit to the Anatole Jakovsky Museum of Naïve Art in Nice, and more specifically to a painting completed by the Nice artist Ben.
I am drawn to his poetry and sense of humor. He passed away recently. His memory lives on in the streets of Nice. He left his mark on the tram shelters and on the roundabout at Rue Lepante.
It must be said that he had been part of the local scene since the 1960s. His works, most often composed of short phrases, awaken our daily lives and invite reflection, encouraging us to embrace life with a smile and appreciate the present moment. The painting on display, a tiger on a tree branch, raised questions, particularly about the artist’s ability to handle his subject.
It was reminiscent of a child’s drawing. Ben had added this comment beneath the painting: “The poor man’s customs officer.” I
laughed at the comment that referred to the paintings of Henri Rousseau. His canvases are now inaccessible, yet during his lifetime the painter only achieved modest success.
Many of his paintings were sold by his paint supplier, who saw it as a way to recoup some money.
Oeuvre de BEN
Oeuvre de BEN
His paintings are now inaccessible, yet during his lifetime the artist only achieved modest success. Many of his canvases were sold by his paint dealer, who saw it as a way to recoup some money.
This is how Picasso acquired a painting by the Douaunier, which he treasured throughout his life. He was full of praise for his work, saying that all his life he had longed to paint like a child.
oeuvre de BEN
oeuvre de BEN
Ben’s shortcut is understandable. The painting is signed; I imagine he found it at a local flea market.
Further on, in a display case, is an old article with this evocative, straightforward title: “Did Henri Rousseau know how to paint?”
In our current, difficult society, there are artistic gestures that have the power to do good. I made the connection with two miniatures offered this week, two beautiful Quiralu models.
I would venture to adopt this comment from the description of these two Quiralu models: the poor man’s Dinky. When we first started to take an interest in these models and explore the different colors, we were practically alone in appreciating them.
Only Jean-Bernard Sarthe had had the idea to take an interest in them before us.
The Porsche 356 and Rolls-Royce attracted a crowd, but the Regence, Marly, and 403 models held no interest.
They were worthless. All the more reason to seek out the variants! Then things changed. Thankfully.
Quiralu models, like C-I-J and JRD, began to find their audience. This week we have two interesting pieces: a Simca Marly converted into an ambulance thanks to a stencil-painted decoration.
This vehicle is available with or without windows. The second model has always been rare. It’s not particularly attractive, but it seldom comes up for sale. It’s the military ambulance version of the Peugeot D4A. Quiralu used the stencil designed for its Marly. Displayed in the showcase among the other versions, it stands out because of its originality.
Its stencil decoration is a real plus in my opinion: a technique from another era that gives the model its own identity.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Quiralu – Simca Marly break ambulance
modèle en vente cette semaine : Quiralu – Peugeot D4A fourgon ambulance militaire
Dinky Toys at Norev Prices
“Dinky Toys at Norev prices” could also be a slogan used by today’s miniature car retailers.
Norev, like Majorette, are brands whose prices have risen sharply in recent years. But beware of the potential backlash. Prices have already dropped significantly for the classic models of these two brands, and much more so than for Dinky Toys.
More seriously, even with lower prices, they don’t always sell. This isn’t the case with Dinky Toys. Their prices have fallen, but they still sell.
Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys have been able to withstand the two shocks of the arrival of Asian copies and the sharp erosion of collectors’ purchasing power.
The market hasn’t collapsed like the keychain market did in the 1960s or the phone card market later on, for example. I’ve noticed that there’s a pool of potential customers for Dinky Toys collectors.
This isn’t the case for the two manufacturers mentioned above. Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, and Matchbox are the only brands that are passionately collected worldwide.
That’s because they’re the only ones that have been distributed across the globe.
Hot Wheels, which arrived later, are also included.
Try analyzing the number of Dinky Toys sold each day on various platforms. Demand must be high to absorb such a quantity… imagine if two major Norev or Majorette collections were for sale at the same time… the rare pieces would sell quickly, of course, but the rest, the vast majority, would sell slowly.
That’s the professional’s analysis. I’m not trying to reassure you about your Dinky Toys collections, but simply to help you better understand the market. Collecting Dinky Toys still has a bright future.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of Dinky Toys’ French productions, for the simple reason that they represent a consistently high-quality collection from beginning to end.
This week, we have a fine selection that confirms this: two Ford trucks equipped with perforated side panels.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys France – Ford camion ridelles ajourées 25A
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys France – Ford camion ridelles ajourées 25 A
This tailgate fits harmoniously onto the short-wheelbase chassis of the Ford truck.
What I appreciate most about this model is the subtle harmony of colors between the rims and the truck’s body. It’s a beautiful toy.
In this post-war world, the customer must have appreciated these metallic colors, even if they weren’t true to life. It was a welcome touch of luxury after those gloomy years. I could make the same comment about the metallic green Peugeot 203. Everything is perfect. Along with the Citroën 2CV and the Buick Roadmaster, the Peugeot 203 is perhaps one of the finest creations in the 24 series.
Now, let’s move on to the planned “Supertoys.” Looking at the majesty of this Willeme towing a Savoyard semi-trailer, I think to myself that it must have been a wonderful gift. It truly deserves the “Supertoys” label; it’s an extraordinary toy, not for every child.
We have a splendid example for sale. The excellent condition of its box adds to the pleasure of owning it.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Willeme semi remorque savoyarde 896
Bobigny also perfectly reproduced the cabin of the Unic skip, another “Supertoys”.
It seems to me more successful than the one made by JRD. This truck undoubtedly caused some problems in Bobigny. Its release took a long time. The wooden prototype also borrows the colors of the Simca cargo van, orange and green.
Later, when making the profile drawings for the catalog, we realize that the illustrator does not have the original in front of him.
It is not for lack of talent that the cabin design resembles that of the Berliet GLR. He must have had this prototype in front of him, a prototype which will also be exhibited at the Lyon Fair, the Unic not being ready yet.
Looking at the dates of execution of the plans and that of the release of the models we see how long the gestation was.
We therefore have an interesting late version of a skip truck, equipped with concave front rims and a box bearing the new numbering.
This is the type of variation that takes on its full interest compared to a classic version.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Unic multibenne Marrel 895
Also on the program is this beautiful truck, decorated in a harmonious red and black color scheme, equipped with windows, and delivered with two accessories, including a gas tank borrowed from the HO scale railway wagon.
This later release, presented in a beautiful illustrated box, has always been difficult to obtain.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Unic multibenne Primagaz 805
When I mentioned earlier in the text “consistency of quality across the range,” this is perfectly illustrated by the three superb models that encapsulate the end of the French venture.
The quality of execution is superb. Compared to contemporary British products, a divergence is evident, a divergence that began around 1960 and would only intensify.
Throughout my career, I have gathered numerous testimonials from foreign collectors that echo this sentiment.
They have often expressed their appreciation for Dinky Toys France for this very reason.
The two sets, “Sulky” and “Highway,” are exceptional pieces that rarely come up for sale complete and in this condition.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Saviem SB2 Goélette avec sulky 571
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Peugeot J7 autoroutes 570 A
The two dioramas are splendid and immediately immerse us in these two worlds.
Finally, I appreciate the harmonious colors of the Berliet GBO.
Some enthusiasts, and not the least among them, dislike it because of its plastic tipper body.
Being from that generation, I grew up with the injection-molded plastic parts of Dinky Toys trucks. In my opinion, the plastic tipper body gives the toy a modern look that corresponds to the era in which it was released.
I have trouble imagining it with a die-cast metal tipper body. Perhaps also because I’ve always known it that way.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Berliet GBO benne carrière 572
a little incongruous
This week, three promotional models made by Lion Car for Remia margarine are scheduled for release.
I’ve already explained here how I had the chance to meet some Remia management at the Houten swap meet, where they were selling a series of models in Remia colors.
The three models on offer are all quite interesting. The panel van Daf Variomatic, with Remia decals on its side panels, is original and rare, as is the Daf car transporter.
It’s actually the first time I’ve had them for sale. While the food tanker or van version, coupled to the Daf 2600 truck, makes sense for a brand selling margarine, you have to admit that the choice of a car transporter in the colors of a margarine brand is a bit incongruous.
Surely one of the most original car transporters ever made in miniature. You must have needed a lot of points to get one.
I appreciate the beautiful cabin dating from the mid-sixties.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Lion Car – DAF 2600 tracteur semi remorque porte auto Remia 50
modèle en vente cette semaine : Lion Car – DAF Variomatic fourgon Remia
modèle en vente cette semaine : Lion Car – DAF 2600 semi remorque citerne Remia 37
My favorite is this 22 van from Dinky Toys Great Britain.
It was with this series that the adventure began.
I’m always moved by this type of product, especially when it’s in the condition of the one offered here.
I was recently speaking with an antique dealer who proudly told me that the famous Odetta series vases made in Quimper were already 100 years old.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Camion fourgon tôlé 22 D
Seeing this Series 22 van, which dates from 1933, I thought that this miniature would soon be 100 years old as well.
This model rarely comes up for sale. The “22 C” pickup version, which uses the same chassis and cab as the “22 D” offered here, was produced for a longer period.
In fact, to be more precise, the van was quickly adapted into an advertising version. The unmarked “22 D” model was only kept in the catalog to fill the “22” sets that contained the first six models.
A piece of history, like the Odetta vases.
also on sale this week
