Vintage merit metal toy cash register makes a lovely cha ching sound !! This lovely little cash register would make a great shop display etc although there is signs of age related wear ( one of the numbers missing bit of rust etc ) reflected in the price still looks amazing and all works may clean up a bit personally I love the used loved look !! 19 cm tall 19 cm depth 18 cm wide
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Merit was the main brand of J & L Randall Ltd., a British toy manufacturer from the 1940s to the 1970s, also known for its SEL (Signalling Equipment Ltd.) range of technical and educational products. Founded by Jack Randall in 1940, the company initially produced patriotic and craft kits during the war, later expanding into popular mass-market toys, model kits, and scientific equipment under both brands. The company ceased operations in 1978, but some products, particularly model assembly kits and Bluebird Speed Record Boat kits, remain sought-after collector's items.
Origins and Company History
Founding:
J & L Randall Ltd. was founded by Jack Randall in 1940, with its headquarters in London before moving to Potters Bar, Middlesex.
The "SEL" Brand:
During the war, the company produced electrical equipment and related items, leading to its Signalling Equipment Ltd. (SEL) brand, which was later used for scientific and educational toys like electric motors, steam engines, and microscopes.
The "Merit" Brand:
In the 1950s, the Merit brand became prominent for its range of mass-market toys, including plastic novelties, board games, and later, model assembly kits.
Key Products
Scientific & Technical Toys: The SEL brand was known for engineering models, and electric motors.
Model Assembly Kits: Merit produced detailed 1:24 scale plastic model kits of racing cars, aircraft, and ships.
Mass-Market Toys: The Merit brand also offered a variety of toys and novelties, such as chemistry sets and toy guns.
Decline and Legacy
Company Closure:
J & L Randall Ltd. continued to produce toys and models until the early 1970s but closed in 1978 after being purchased by Letraset.
Collector's Items:
Many Merit products, particularly the precise model assembly kits like the Bluebird Speed Record Boat, are now popular collector's items.