Editing Matchbox (brand) (section)

==Model collectibility and value==
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Not unlike other "classical" collectible items such as stamps, coins, or real cars, the value and collectibility of model cars such as Matchbox is driven primarily by three factors:
:* Rarity (incl. variations),
:* Condition, and
:* Popularity of the model
with one additional important factor,
:* Packaging

===Rarity and variations===

The rarity of a model can refer either to the model in general, or to a variation thereof.

Some models are produced in very limited quantities. Prior to the evolution of "purpose-made" collectibles (cf. "Matchbox Collectibles", below) – i.e. models made in intentionally limited quantities to allow a high initial sales price and/or force the value to remain high on the collectors market – rarity was based on the simple criterion that the production numbers of a model were low. This was not generally due to any specific intent by the manufacturer.  For example, this could occur if the mold (die) broke, or if the model proved to be unpopular and was replaced very quickly, creating a situation in which "normal" numbers of the model never reached the market.

[[Image:Matchbox3versions.jpg|thumb|right|350 px|3 versions of the same mid-1960s Matchbox Snow Trac toy, all designated#35, yet each a variation: While the model pictured in the middle has the words "Snow-Trac" <u>cast</u> into the sides, the first has plain-cast sides and "Snow-Trac" <u>decals</u>; the third version has plain sides and no brand badging]]
Variations are changes in production models. The most common three types are changes in the materials used, in the dies, or in the colour scheme.  For instance, early Matchbox models were entirely made of metal, including the tyres/wheels. However, within the first few years of production, Lesney switched to plastic wheels.  These were silver at first; later, grey wheels were fitted, followed finally by black wheels. Thus it was entirely possible that models introduced in the '50s could be fitted with four different wheel types during the span of their inclusion in the series – or even more, since there were further variations (e.g. knobby or smooth) besides the colour or material. Depending on the particular model, a given wheel type might be much rarer than the others.

Moulds or dies are changed at times. This is commonly due to weaknesses in the final die-cast product, or to difficulties in production caused by the die. Often, the changes are very minor, even minute, and may occur in places that are not clearly visible at first glance. Especially in cases where e.g. a weakness was detected early in the production run, the numbers of early versions reaching the market are often quite low.

Colour changes – now commonplace, a planned marketing tool – were rarer earlier, with most models being produced over the span of their inclusion in the series in just one or two major colour schemes.  However, not only the colour of the model's body must be regarded, but rather the <u>entire</u> model— including baseplate, interior, windows – and thus changes in different components can lead to a factorial increase in variation possibilities.

Age also plays an important part in making a model rare.  A model produced in standard quantities in the 1950s will likely be much rarer today than one produced in similar quantities the 1980s.

===Condition===

The better the condition of the model, the higher its value.  Model conditions are usually expressed in a simple, somewhat subjective manner, in categories such as:  mint, excellent, very good, good, fair, poor.  Simply put, a "mint" model, i.e. one in factory-fresh condition, is worth far more than a sandbox-quality model with chipped paint, rusty axles, and broken parts.  However, to be valuable, the condition must be original; repainting or repairing a model reduces its value greatly, even if the final result can be impressive.

===Packaging===
The presence or lack of packaging affects the value of a model.  A "mint boxed" model can in some cases be worth 50-100% more than the mint model without the box, depending on the age of the model, the condition of the box, and even the variations of the box.

As box designs were changed regularly, some boxes or even model/box combinations were produced in lower quantities, and thus became quite difficult to find.  As an example, the first seven ''1-75'' models were packaged in "A Moko Lesney" boxes (cf. above, "History", Moko) on which the word "Moko" was written in script.  Today, these boxes are extremely valuable.  Later '50s boxes – including the 2nd editions of those for model numbers 1 to 7 – had "Moko" in the same capital letters as the words surrounding it.

Even in the era of blister packs, the role of packaging has not really diminished.  However, as the "box" concept is tremendously important for the brand Matchbox, the presence of a box usually affects the value of a model significantly more than does a blister pack.  The exception to this is blister packs from the box era, particularly those in which the box was also included.

===Popularity===
The popularity of the model affects its value both directly and indirectly.  For example, if two models were produced in similar quantities in the '50s, one an interesting sports car, the other a rather dull military vehicle, then the former probably disappeared from store shelves much faster.  Its value, then in non-monetary terms, was higher.

Though the former model may therefore be found relatively ubiquitously in British or American households, often it was either played with (i.e. the condition is poor) or it has a particular "treasure"-like sentimental value (often the case with, for example, horse-drawn models), so that the model will be kept "forever", even by those who do not collect.  Thus it becomes harder to find in good condition on the collectors market, while the less popular model can still be found mint-boxed in large quantities.  And as it is likely that the sports car's initial popularity remains
unbroken, its value is now also driven upward by this fact as well.

===Cataloguing===
Since the advent of organized Matchbox collectors' clubs (see below, "Matchbox collectors"), models and their variations have been coded and catalogued, and values have been roughly established.  The major collectors' organizations (NAMC, AIM, Matchbox USA, MICA, MBXForum etc.) as well as individual authors have published numerous works describing the various Matchbox ranges including the models and their variations.  Whereas the best of these were formerly available mainly through the clubs themselves, it is now possible to buy books on Matchbox from various publishing houses.  These are available not only in English, but in several other languages (particularly German) as well.

As there have been multiple reference catalogues over the years, there is no complete consensus on the coding of a model.  However, a standard code might read as such:  Y-15 A 6.  This would mean the 6th variation of the first ("A") release of model no. Y-15.

Many books now include a price guide, but there is no real consensus on the actual monetary value of a model.  The numbers in any of the publications give relative information, but not more.  It remains a collectors market, and, accordingly, prices fluctuate greatly.