Dinky Toys were produced by Frank Hornby of the legendary Meccano Toy Company beginning in the 1930’s. Originally intended as accessories for Hornby Trains; signs, people, cars, animals and rolling stock were produced in O scale (1:43 and 1:48). Popularity caused the range to expand to a range including miniature airplanes, trucks, buses, even briefly dolls’ houses and furniture.

Collector’s may specialize in a single range (airplanes), a particular type of product (gift sets), or a single variant (flying boats). Other collectors specialize in packaging.

Dinky toys were meant to be played with, which means they are rare in mint condition. Some airplanes were sold with holes in the top for gliding clips which could be attached to a string to swing the plane about. These models often show signs of use!

Classic Dinky Toy production ceased in the 1970’s. A Dinky variant, Nicky toys, continued to be produced in India for a time.

Text from miniatures.about.com