Sentry Box Series

The Sentry Box Series of military toys was one of a number of competitors which sprang up in the wake of the successful launch of Lesney’s Matchbox series in the late 1950s. 

Made by Kemlows Diecasting Producs Ltd, the models have no manufacturer’s name on them but are simple marked “MADE IN ENGLAND”. There are various different stamps found of these words as the model dies were modified over their production period. 

The Sentry Box Series was marketed in boxes designed, appropriately enough, to look like sentry boxes. These feature a sentry figure on one side and one of the end flaps forms a peaked roof. On the other end the model name is printed in black on a red panel. Below this is a green panel with white lettering reading “In the Sentry Box Series Made in England”. The box size varies as some models like the tank transporter needed more space. 

All the models were painted matt dark green drab, sometimes with a brownish-green overspray to give a camouflage effect. Some also have silver painted trim. The wheels are unpainted metal except on the Centurion Tank which was sprayed after assembly, giving it green wheels. 

It is not known exactly when the series was issued but it is thought that it was produced from some time in the late 50s to some point in the late 60s. Four of the models - the Bedford Lorry, Armoured Car, Centurion Tank and Bedford with gun set - were included on a 1958 price list issued by the Fred Bronner Corporation of of New York, however. It is thought that the series may have been exclusive to Woolworths shops in England and according to Stephen Lowe who worked at Kemlows, the range was apparently discontinued when Woolworths decided to no longer sell war-related toys. 

After UK production of the series stopped, the dies were sold to Gamda Koor in Israel in the 1960s. The Centurion Tank and Tank Transporter were produced again there. 

Unboxed Sentry Series models are fairly common but it is hard to find boxed examples. The rarest item is generally thought to be the Armoured Car, Limber and Gun set.

Subject ID: 132148