Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold.

Mattel Since 1996 the Matchbox brand has been owned by Mattel, creators of Hot Wheels. Some of the tools and dies created in the Lesney era were still used in the Matchbox line of 2007.

Each playset features realistic details that make them identifiable to kids, adding a dose of realism to their imagination. Easy connectors allow these playsets to connect to each other and to Hot Wheels City sets for kids to create an epic build and endless adventures. (Additional sets sold separately.)

In 1952, Odell was inspired by a rule at his daughter's school that permitted students to only bring toys that fit inside a matchbox. He scaled down Lesney's road roller toy, packaged it in a matchbox, and sent his daughter off to school. The Matchbox car was born.

The First Matchboxes Matches have been used within society since 1827, and matchboxes were later created in the 1840s. Previously you could light a match on any rough surface, which unsurprisingly became a safety hazard and this is when the matchbox design became necessary.

The brand was given its name because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing, and action figures.

Although the company was no longer British-owned, limited production continued in England until the mid-1980s, re-using many of the old Lesney castings, but most production and tooling was moved to Macau.

The story of Matchbox cars begins in the 1950s, in a post-war Britain brimming with innovation and optimism. Lesney Products, a small London-based company, was the birthplace of these iconic toys. The founders, Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation) initially produced industrial parts and small toys.

The brand was given its name because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing, and action figures. Matchbox.

Matchbox Action Drivers playsets offer realistic kid-driven adventures through car-activated push-around play. Easy connectors at each corner allow the playsets to connect to each other, as well as to Hot Wheels City sets.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION: A matchbox is a box made of cardboard or thin wood and designed to hold matches.

As cultural artefacts these matchboxes tell us about national identity, modernity and tradition, gender roles, religion and globalisation and how these themes often merge and co-exist. Phillumeny, the practice of collecting matchbox labels requires commitment and discipline.

The First Matchboxes Matches have been used within society since 1827, and matchboxes were later created in the 1840s. Previously you could light a match on any rough surface, which unsurprisingly became a safety hazard and this is when the matchbox design became necessary.