The co-founder of Matchbox Toys, Jack Odell, has died, aged 87.
The co-founder of Matchbox Toys, Jack Odell, has died, aged 87.
The engineer moved into the toy trade after joining a die-casting company that had moved into toy production.
The engineer moved into the toy trade after joining a die-casting company that had moved into toy production.
His daughter inspired the creation of his most famous invention in 1948 after she her school only allowed to take in an item that would fit into a matchbox.
His daughter inspired the creation of his most famous invention in 1948 after her school allowed her to only take in an item that would fit into a matchbox.
The miniature green and red road roller he developed for her to show off to friends became the forerunner of the Matchbox Toy empire.
The miniature green and red road roller he developed for her to show off to friends became the forerunner of the Matchbox Toy empire.
Among the firm's most famous designs was a miniature Coronation coach, made to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's succession to the throne, which sold about a million copies.
Among the firm's most famous designs was a miniature Coronation coach, made to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's succession to the throne, which sold about a million copies.
Matchbox was floated on the Stock Exchange in 1960 and in 1968 Mr Odell and business partner Leslie Smith were awarded MBEs.
Matchbox was floated on the Stock Exchange in 1960 and in 1968 Mr Odell and business partner Leslie Smith were awarded MBEs.
Mr Smith died in May 2005, also aged 87.
Mr Smith died in May 2005, also aged 87.
Highly collectable
Highly collectable
The business was reported to be selling more than one million cars a day in to more than 100 countries at its peak as low prices made them affordable to children.
The business was reported to be selling more than one million cars a day in to more than 100 countries at its peak as low prices made them affordable to children.
Matchbox items are still produced, though by US firm Mattel, after Matchbox Toys went into receivership in 1982.
Matchbox items are still produced, though by US firm Mattel, after Matchbox Toys went into receivership in 1982.
Mr Odell then established his own firm, buying some of the die-casting machinery from the receivers.
Mr Odell then established his own firm, buying some of the die-casting machinery from the receivers.
He sold up in 1996 with another of Matchbox's rivals Corgi later buying the brand names and continuing to make some of the products.
He sold up in 1996 with another of Matchbox's rivals Corgi later buying the brand names and continuing to make some of the products.
Some Matchbox items have become highly collectable.
Some Matchbox items have become highly collectable.
Its version of the Mercedes Benz 230S, bought for less than three shillings (15 pence) in 1968, was sold at auction in 1999 for £4,100.
Its version of the Mercedes Benz 230S, bought for less than three shillings (15 pence) in 1968, was sold at auction in 1999 for £4,100.
Did you meet Jack Odell? Are you a collector of Matchbox toys? What impact has Matchbox had on the industry? Send us your comments using the form below:
Did you meet Jack Odell? Are you a collector of Matchbox toys? What impact has Matchbox had on the industry? Send us your comments using the form below:
You can send pictures and video of your Matchbox treasures to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124.
You can send pictures and video of your Matchbox treasures to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
