Dinky Toys 490 Express Dairy Van

Notes

Transition issue from 1954 under this dual numbering, this possibly unique version has a distinctive beige finish, orange-red lettering, chassis and matching ridged wheels. Smooth, well-shaped original tyres.
Complete lettering to the cab.
In all original condition with the occasional little mark.

For comparison only, please note the distinctive colour shade of this EXPRESS DAIRY Van when placed alongside the cream Single Deck Bus:

and indeed alongside this Dinky 977 Commercial Servicing Platform Vehicle:

This model is presented in the dual-numbered, transition box which has the blank colour spot. A little age/handling wear. Inside one end flap, there is a stamped date (18th April 1968 which is a post-production date of course, but perhaps the date of purchase from one of the earliest swapmeets, or an old shop stock find?). Most intriguingly, there is a neat signature C. Gibson. He wrote the Dinky Book “The History of Dinky Toys, 1934-1964”. Could this have been his and was it a special commission or a colour trial?