Although most pre-war items were not individually boxed, there are a number of boxed sets and similar items that contain useful clues as to the exact age within the production period of the set or item.

One aspect is the branding, Hornby Series Modelled Miniatures, Meccano Dinky Toys and then simply Dinky Toys, this evolved over the period 1931 to 1935. Then there is a strap line which carried the information of the number of varieties of items produced. This started at 150 varieties in 1935 and by the cessation of toy production in 1941 or 1942 had reached over 300 varieties. Some items such as the 47 Traffic Signs were produced across this period and variations in box design are found (see the Dinky Article of the 47 Road Signs).

The following table is an aid to the dates when branding changes occurred:

In line with other Meccano/Hornby items from late 1937 codes were printed on the boxes which give more accurate dating information; at least of the date of production of the box. These codes were of the form “BW12427 10M 6-40”. This taken from a wartime figures set. The BW12427 is believed to be the box manufacturer. The 10M indicates 10,000 of these boxes were ordered (M for mille Italian for thousand) and the date 6-40 for June 1940.

These dates do not necessarily indicate the exact date of the contents as there may have been some months between the box order and packing. Nevertheless these are a good indicator of the date of the items.