The Harrie van de Bosch Dinky Toys Collection

Harrie van de Bosch Dinky Toys Collection

Harrie van de Bosch was born in 1944. During his childhood, shortly after the end of the 2nd World War, Dinky Toys were rather expensive toys, so his parents could not afford to buy them. He never owned Dinky Toys as a child, although he did like them. Much later, when Harrie became a father himself, he bought Matchbox cars for his son and later Corgi Chipperfields models.

In the early nineties, Harrie met Paul Majoor, a now well known Dutch Dinky Toys trader, who sold his collection at Vectis Auctions in 1998. He drew Harrie's attention to the Houten Toy Fair. During his visits there, Harrie was especially impressed by the Dinky Toys for sale. He started visiting other toy fairs as well and bought his first Dinky Toy, a Citroen Philips Van, at the Koepelbeurs Toy Fair in Raamsdonkveer. From there on, his collecting adventure started. Many Dinky Toys were bought on Dutch toy fairs, but also in antique shops during his travelling all over Europe. Some of his first French Dinky Toys were bought on the Paris flea market. 

Later eBay became a good source to find and buy models as well. Harrie made use of an extensive hand written list of his purchases to avoid doubles. This list was thoroughly checked by him before any purchase was made! Much to his surprise and enjoyment his children in secret bought Dinky Toys for his birthday. They contacted a Dutch dealer and used Harrie's list without him knowing it.  Over the years he became a well known collector and he was approached by the owner of a virtually complete collection of Dinky Toys 410 and 412 Bedford Vans. He was able to buy the entire collection of almost 150 models, including many rare liveries and colours.

Harrie's Dinky Toys collection consists of more than 800 models, mainly boxed.

Pre and post war. Like a pre war no. 12 Postal Set, 45 Garage and 48 Petrol

Station, all boxed. The complete range of Guy Vans including the Guy Warrior Heinz Van. Gift Sets like a Site Building Set or a nice Fun A'hoy Set. Around 120 boxed French Dinky Toys including both Pinder Circus Sets and a rare Dutch ANWB livery Citroen Van.

Apart from Dinky Toys Harrie also collected some Corgi Chipperfield's models, like the ones he bought for his son earlier on. Next to diecast models, later Harrie collected some tinplate toys as well, most of them found in a specialised shop in Breda close to his home. Among the rarities is an early working steam locomotive model, possibly Bing. Also a nice sought after boxed Ichiko International TV Car and a Schuco Dutch Police VW Beetle. The original one that is, not a later copy! Harrie decided to sell his collection as his children and grandchildren hardly have any interest in it. It is time for Harrie and his family to enjoy the proceeds. An outstanding opportunity for current collectors! The auction will be held on the 9th of April at Vectis Auctions, this will be a Room Auction with viewing available. There will also be the opportunity for buyers to meet Harrie himself as he will be attending the Auction to say goodbye to his collection!