Fakes and Frauds

Number 26b Foden Cement Mixer

The number 26b Foden Cement Mixer was introduced into the 1-75 series in August 1961. It was a very popular model that was not replaced until March 1968. In this period there were a couple of rare variation to look out for, but notably the most published rare version is the model with the grey barrel.

The grey barrel version was the first release. It came in 2 variations. The first version had 9mm x 20 tread grey plastic wheels and a dark grey barrel. The second version had 9.5mm x 20 tread grey plastic wheels and a lighter grey barrel. Both models had a 3.5mm ejector ring on the left side of barrel engine compartment. The ejector ring changed in size to 4 mm and finally to 4.5mm on later orange barrel versions.

The grey barrel version was in production for only a couple of months before being changed to an orange plastic barrel.

The fake I am showing here was purchased by Phil Taylor, a collector in from New Zealand. He was kind enough to allow me to use these photographs. Fortunately, he was able to receive a refund on his purchase. Not everyone is this lucky!

The sad thing about this model is that a genuine grey barrel model was wrecked to make this fake. Even if the original was in badly chipped condition, it would still be worth a premium price.

 
 
This is the model in question. It is complete with correct "C" style box however the end flaps are not visible to ascertain if it says "New Model"
 
One easy tell tale sign is the grill. On the genuine grey barrel models it is mask sprayed in silver. On this model it has no silver trim. Models without silver trim were available from around 1963 until the end of production. The practice of not painting the grill was a cost cutting measure in the factory.
 
As mentioned above, here is the ejector ring on the left side of the barrel engine compartment. This one is a 4.5mm diameter ejector ring. It's 1mm too large for this to be a genuine grey barrel cement mixer. they all came with a 3.5mm ejector ring.
 
The triangular braces that are circled were on versions made after about 1962. These braces were included as a strengthening measure. All grey barrel versions did NOT have these braces. Also, this part of the base was shorter on the grey barrel version and some early orange barrel versions.
 
As above, the grey barrel version did NOT have these triangular braces at the rear of the chassis.
 
For a model in such nice condition, the barrel appears to be rather knocked about.
 

As this is a later casting, it possibly was the very common version with 10mm x 36 tread black plastic wheels fitted. The later versions with grey plastic wheels were fitted with 10mm x 36 tread grey plastic wheels, larger than the earlier version and finer tread patterns.
   

Many thanks to Phil Taylor for allowing me to use these photos to show this example of a very expensive fake.

Don't get caught buying these fakes. Be vigilant and educate yourself!


 

© 2008 Moko Lesney Matchbox