The post-war years at Meccano Ltd. delivered a huge number of new Dinky Toys. During this time, the company modeled practically anything and everything. And to me, this is part of the charm of collecting Dinky Toys, knowing they were created in this long ago era and meant to reflect everyday life, not just trucks and cars riding the road.
L: Dinky 1952 (Egypt) catalog.
R: Dinky 1957 catalog.
In 1949, Dinky Toys made a leap and introduced the No. 751 Lawn Mower, and surprisingly labeled it a Supertoys. Like many young boys I noticed this in those early catalogs, but in those younger years, I was keen to collect slightly more desirable vehicles, causing this delightful model to stay off my collecting radar for decades. Finally, about fifteen years ago, I read a glowing review and decided it was time to find one.
The Dinky 751 Lawn Mower introduced in the July 1949 issue of Meccano Magazine.
Let me state right up front: this is an absolute treasure of a diecast model. It’s composed of many separate parts, all expertly made to a very close tolerance. It’s a delight to hold, as it’s quite solid and has a nice heft to it. And you’re in for a nice surprise when you place it on a flat surface and move it forward; the revolving blade assembly is properly driven and geared by the large roller, and you feels it might actually cut grass!
In 1954, the Dinky Supertoys 751 Lawn Mower was renumbered to 386, and reduced to simply a Dinky Toy. It was subsequently retired in 1958.
Dinky 386 Lawn Mower. Image: Vectis Auctions.
The Dinky Lawn Mover is a superb model that reflects the high skill level of Meccano craftsmen.