The Fireman

The classic Ladybird pocket-size books were a British institution, being produced from 1940 until the 1980s, being finally phased out when the Loughborough factory closed in 1999. They were widely used in primary schools during the 1950s/60s and are very collectable today. Here is a selection of pages from 606B, The Fireman, first published in 1962. Illustrations were by John Berry (1920-2009).

More Vargas

Another pin up from the brush of Alberto Vargas (1896-1982), this from Playboy magazine, January 1965.

The Imperial 70

If you want to collect something that is relatively cheap to buy, then old typewriters might be an option, provided that you have the room to display them. This Imperial Typewriter Company machine dates from between 1962, when the model was introduced, to 1968, when it was superseded by the Imperial 80. They appear on eBay for around £10 to £20 plus postage (which is often as much as the typewriter itself), although this one was for sale in our local Oxfam shop for just £4.99, although I cannot say whether it was in working order.

Blick

I don't suppose that time clocks are used much these days, and if they are, the digital world will have caught up with them by now. This 1930s example was spotted in a local antique shop (yours for £225.00). It was made by Blick Time Recorders of Aldersgate, London, the company previously manufacturing typewriters from around 1900. I wonder where it was originally used?

Hillman Super Minx

This car was available in saloon, estate and convertible form from 1961 until 1967. The fold-out brochure dates from around 1962, when the mark II was introduced, the artwork making it look rather low and flat. It was succeeded by the Hillman Hunter from 1966.

This down at heel-looking 1965 Hillman Super Minx was a feature of a local street for some years, but has now gone. The DVLA list EBP 5C as SORN, so is hopefully tucked up in a garage somewhere.......