Posted 9 years ago
GeodeJem
(404 items)
Efsi Toys Die Cast scale models NR 103 or 1 8 or 6 3. In original box never used, brand new and the little cardboard shop punch thru hanging thingy has never been used.
This is from Wiki: In 1959 (some sources say 1962), Bestbox started making simple diecast cars in Limburg province (Bickford 2009). The Dutch Wiki site reports that in the 1960s, the coal mines in Limburg closed. Some significant post-mining industries where workers relocated were automobile producers DAF and Nedcar in Born. After the closure, DSM (The Dutch State Mines) tried providing new employment to out-of-work or disabled miners in different shops or factories. These 'WIM' workshops (Workshop for Disabled Miners) were backed by a national Fund for Social Institutions (FSI).
One of the activities was to continue the production of Best-box models. Later the name was changed to EFSI, apparently a phonetic pronunciation of FSI (EFSI Dutch Wiki page; see also EFSI Made in Holland, 2010–2011). The Bestbox name was discontinued in 1971, perhaps because of the similarity to the name (and competition) of Matchbox toys (Breithaupt 2001). Though similar to Matchbox, and popular locally, Efsi toys do not seem to have been too well known outside the Netherlands (Rixon 2005, p. 85). Most Efsi products were marked "Made in Holland" (as opposed to 'Made in the Netherlands') on the base.
Early offerings[edit]
Among EFSI's first vehicles were a set of 1960s Formula One cars including Ferrari, Brabham, Honda, Lotus, and Cooper Maserati (Breithaupt 2001; Rixon 2005, p. 85). These were first marketed under the Bestbox name and had realistic engines, thick black tires and realistic, solid appearing, deep-set wheels. Another popular line were a very Matchbox-like series of diecast bodied Ford Model T vehicles in various forms including coupe, sedan, pickup, delivery van, delivery van in fire engine livery (with ladder), tanker, and wrecker truck. Some of the Model T versions had diecast bases, but plastic bodies. Overall, these were simple but attractive models, produced since the Best Box days, then later cast with the Efsi name up to about 1980 or beyond. The Model T delivery van was made in several different liveries like Harrod's, Cadbury, and George Travis wholesale confectioner. Even later, many Efsi vehicles were closely duplicated by Spain's Auto Pilen (Bras 2012a; Bras 2012b; Breithaupt 2001).
Other cars, like a Jaguar XKE convertible, BMW coupe, and a Citroën DS ambulance were also made. Many EFSI cars were a bit smaller than those made by Matchbox and some dies seemed very close to Matchbox - like the Mercedes-Benz 280 convertible and a Mercedes-Benz flat bed truck. One earlier Ford Transit van casting appears similar to one made by Zylmex around 1990, so EFSI appears to have participated in the common practice of buying tooling and also selling it to companies in other countries.
Awesome toy !