Mercedes-Benz Pontonobilia
Variants

This 1960 Tekno catalog defines № 730 and 731 as, "Mercedes-Benz 220", but the baseplate of model "731/32" says, "Mercedes-Benz 220S"

Tekno (Denmark) 1:43 scale die-cast № 731.  Mercedes-Benz Type 220S Ponton ambulance / Copenhagen Fire Department livery.  This particular variation includes amber warning lights on either side of a die-cast siren above the windshield.  The rear windows have been fogged out, as was common practice in the "real", full-scale world.

Compare the siren (center of the roof, above the windshield) on this variation to the others in this photo collection.  This one does not appear to be made from a separate die-cast piece.  Perhaps the black paint makes it look like it is part of the body casting.

Original packaging for Tekno № 731 Mercedes-Benz Type 220S ambulance

The illustrations on this box are far more quaint and intriguing than today's clear plastic packaging, you'll agree. An entire industry of commercial artists was lost when this style of packaging became unfashionable. As mentioned elsewhere on this page, the value of original packaging (when in excellent condition) can surpass that of the item itself.

This Tekno № 731 variation includes a die-cast siren, red warning lights and a blue light on the roof. The value of certain scale models can be surprising. When an older model, like this one is found in excellent condition and includes the original packaging, the seller can ask just about any price they want. The abbreviation among collectors for this condition level is "MIB", which stands for "Mint, In Box", or "mint condition, and in the box."

Tekno catalog detail

White variation of Tekno № 731 Type 220S ambulance. 
Yellow flags are available as reproductions (June 2014). Note the die-cast siren and red warning lights.

White variation of Tekno 731 / Mercedes-Benz Type 220S ambulance

This example was in great condition, but the yellow flag on the roof was missing.

Photo uploaded June 27, 2014

Photos uploaded July 28, 2014

These two photos show the reproduction flag painted yellow.

Tekno 731/32 baseplate reads, "Mercedes-Benz 220S" – in contrast to the Tekno catalog, which defines Tekno № 730 and 731 as, "Mercedes-Benz 220"

Photo uploaded June 27, 2014

Tekno № 731/32 – nice photo of the front

Photo uploaded June 27, 2014

Tekno 731/32 (a.k.a. 732) / Mercedes-Benz Type 220S Ponton "Falck Zonen" ambulance
Black with white roof. Rear windows fogged for privacy. The box includes the model number (732)

This hood star, siren, and roof lamp are intact, but this example is showing some signs of wear.

Perhaps the baseplate designation "731/32" was meant to describe the close relationship between the two models. The baseplate also reads, "Mercedes-Benz 220S" – in contrast to the Tekno catalog, which defines Tekno № 730 and 731 as, "Mercedes-Benz 220."

Tekno № 731/32 ambulances - author's collection / Camera: iPhone 6

Photo courtesy: Jeff Miller / uploaded March 19, 2015

Tekno № 731/32 ambulances - author's collection / Camera: iPhone 6

Photo courtesy: Jeff Miller / uploaded March 19, 2015