A model example of trans-European trucking, this diecast van advertising a Swiss company was made in Italy and sold to a German buyer at the Runcorn rooms of British Toy Auctions (18% buyer’s premium).

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Terence Ryle

Toys by the Turin-based manufacturer Mercury are quite rare at UK auctions. Founded in 1932 to make machine parts, the company switched to making 1:43 scale die-cast models after the Second World War, concentrating mainly on cars until the firm closed in 1978.

The van made for the commercial vehicle manufacturer Saurer was in very good to excellent condition and, against a £300-400 estimate, sold at £850 at the August 10 Cheshire sale.