Jolly Roger Toys of Wales

Here are some photos of two model cars I have in my collection. I cannot find any information on the manufacturer of these cars - Jolly Roger. As you can see from the photos the cars bear the legend "Made in Wales". ^* See further information below

Both cars may have been repainted, but this might not be so as there are too many similarities between the finish of both cars despite one having been in my possession for a couple of years and sourced from London and the other a relatively new acquisition via eBay and a dealer based in Shropshire. Both cars have a crude painted surface, probably spray painted, yet both have "runs" showing on the inside around the windows. The two tone model appears to have been overpainted by a former owner but the underlying yellow appears to be original. Both have painted wheels, albeit different colours, and painted grills and headlights done in the same fashion.

The castings show no signs of the wheels/axles ever having been removed or replaced. There are however differences in the rear bumper. On the yellow model this is a full wrap-round bumper but on the grey model it is a short bumper. Although the photo clearly shows what might be a break in the casting of the rear bumper, the other side is smooth - almost as if the die had been modified but the casting process had left one side smooth and the other rough (Flash?).

If you know anything about the manufacturer or the history behind these toys, please email info@toysnz.com and I would appreciate any photos of other Jolly Roger toys - even if they are the same as these two. I especially seek photos of toys known to be in original condition (for comparison purposes).

Click on any photo to see a bigger photo

^* UPDATE Further information that has come to hand indicates they were made in Wales from 1946 to 1948. The line consists of a few modified Gasquy-Septoy castings and includes a Maserati-styled Grand Prix Race Car (1947), a Plymouth 1939 Sedan and a Caravan.

My thanks to David Harries of the UK who has sent me this photo of a lovely Jolly Roger Maserati racer.