Matchbox Collectibles
US Post Office Collection

Crafted by the Greatest Name in Die-Cast

Early in the 20th century, the Post Office Department first used motorised vehicles for mail delivery. One of the best was the 1912 Ford Model T Postal Truck, built by the man who pioneered the techniques of mass production. Now, those early days of postal vehicles are captured in a vintage die-cast model decorated with a recruiting poster bearing the famous words of Uncle Sam: "I Want You."

1912 Ford Model T Postal Truck

1920 MACK® AC Postal Truck

 During the roaring '20s, the US Post office began to look to the skies for a more efficient method of delivering mail .By 1920, a transcontinental air route had been established and the Post Office was awarded the Collier Trophy for its contributions to aeronautics. Now, the excitement is recalled in an authentic die-cast model of a 1920 MACK® AC Postal Truck. Fitted with a soft top, it bears a colourful recruiting poster, "Join the Navy."

The Depression was an era of bread lines and soup kitchens. Fortunately the US Post Office Department provided a way to save money, offering depositors 2% interest and accepting deposits as low as 1$. By 1929, the year of the Great Stock Market Crash, $153 million was on deposit. Now, this challenging era is reflected in a vintage 1932 Ford Model AA Postal Truck advertising "Airmail Stamps for 5¢."

1932 Ford Model AA Postal Truck

1937 GMC® Postal Van

 In 1937, knowing that US Soldiers overseas would be thrilled to receive a "care package" from home, the Post Office began parcel post international service. And, in the Patriotic spirit that was swept the nation, the Post Office changed the colour scheme of its vehicles to red, white and blue. Now, the proud spirit of this era is celebrated in a 1937 GMC Postal Van proclaiming "We Can Do It."

After World War 2, residential mil deliveries were cut from twice a day to once a day to speed delivery. Certified Mail ensured delivery of the most important communications and the Post Office placed posters on vehicles to support other federal departments, such as the one now recreated on the side of a 1948 Dodge Route Van. It portrays Smokey the Bear and reads: "Our Most Shameful Waste!" and "Remember Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!".

1948 Dodge® Route Postal Van

1961 International Scout Postal Truck

 Space technology affected many aspects of modern life, including the Post Office. A submarine launched a missile loaded with mail for Florida - and "Missile Mail became the fastest way mail had ever been delivered. Another major innovation was the institution of Zip Codes. Now, those early days are recaptured in a die-cast model of a 1961 International Scout Postal Truck bearing the familiar image of Mr. Zip Code.