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This trade box contains 6 DINKY 70b/730 Hawker "Tempest II" Fighters and is in original condition, complete with dealer price markings on the outside of the box. Because this trade box carries both reference numbers I am assuming it contains post-war 730 releases of the model.
This original box is made of cardboard that has been stapled together to make the top and bottom of the box. The exterior is yellow and the interior is the usual brown/grey common for cardboard of the period. On the two ends of the top are yellow paper labels with black lettering:
on one end the text is in English:
6 pieces
70B
MONOPLANDE CHASSEHAWKER
"TEMPEST II"
FIGHTER
730
HAWKER
Made in England by Meccano Ltd
Printed in England
The other end has text in FOUR languages, French, Spanish, Dutch and German:
SIX
70B
MONOPLAN DE CHASSE
TEMPEST II
AVION DE COMBATE TEMPEST II
TEMPEST II GEVECHTSVLIEGTUIG
JAGDFLUGZEUG "TEMPEST II"
730
Meccano Ltd - England
Imprime en Angleterre
Inside the main box are three separator walls made of thinner cardboard that when assembled form the 6 individual 'slots' for the 6 items to rest in.
Each of the models inside the box are identical except for the placement of the roundels. Since these were probably applied by out-workers on a piece-rate the placement will have many variables and so cannot be classified as a variation. However, having said that, I have noted two different versions of the small side roundels are present. There are only three parts to the item, the body casting, the propeller and the pin that holds the propeller in place.
The body casting is painted silver and carries small roundels on each side of the fuselage and larger roundels on the top of both wings. On the underside of the wings is cast "DINKY TOYS TEMPEST II" on two lines on the right wing and "MADE IN ENGLAND BY MECCANO LTD" on two lines on the left wing.
This model has no working parts other than the propeller which can spin on its pin.
This model was issued as #730 between 1954 and 1955.
Item: 1298