Matchbox Northwest Collector Spotlight

James Haworth

I got my first matchbox vehicles in the middle 1950's on visits to Vancouver Island, B.C. with my Grandparents. Later, I used many of them on a HO gauge train layout. In 1983, I became a matchbox collector after reading an article about matchbox collecting in a car magazine. Luckily, my parents still had the matchbox cars from my childhood.

My collection includes the 1-75 Series (primarily regular wheels and early superfast), Models of Yesteryear, Major Packs, Accessory Packs, early King Size, Battlekings, Seakings, Adventure 2000, Pocket and Dealer catalogs, and Disney. Since early stuff is getting pricey, I've started collecting newer matchbox such as the Gold Challenge, Premiere, etc.. I have also started collecting matchbox plastic kits and dolls.

I have a large part of my collection displayed in three home built wall display cases in a rec room I share with my two daughters. The smallest case which is about six inches deep holds over 550 regular wheel vehicles and some of their boxes. Unfortunately, some of my newer matchbox are stored in boxes until I can find a way to display them.

Several of my best finds were the 11-A Yellow Tanker, 46-B Beales Bealson Van, and G-4 Race Gift Set from 1963.

Come and see James' toy room on July 24th 1999 at this summers meeting.

See the Spring 1999 Collector Spotlight.

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