When Morris & Stone started selling toys in the late 1940's, much of the promotional activity was done by individual salesmen travelling to toy shops all over Britain. Samples of the models were shown to the retailers and orders obtained and delivered on a personal basis. Leaflets did exist but they were very simple and contained lists of available models without illustrations..

 

Before long, however, Morris & Stone began to produce a variety of leaflets for inclusion inside the box of every toy. These were single-sheet items promoting both 'Morestone' and 'Modern Products' diecast and other toys. At first they just listed models but then line-drawing illustrations were added usually in a separate column.

 

Larger and more glossy fold-out leaflets were then developed and these became the start of a simple catalogue. They were designed for Toy Shops and retailers to hand out to enthusiastic toy collectors - or their parents!  Not only did these have good illustrations and fuller descriptions but also included prices (in shillings and pence) for each toy.

 

The first colour catalogues were produced at the launch of the Esso Petrol Pump Miniatures although these were not in full colour but in red and blue. The models were illustrated with black line-drawings which were the same as those used on the boxes. 

 

Other items such as Coupons and Tokens and unusual ones like the International Driving Licence were made to be included inside boxes.  

 

Morris & Stone never produced full colour leaflets for Morestone models. It was not until 1959 when Budgie Toys started that these first appeared.

 

Finding early Morestone leaflets and catalogues is not easy as they were not made to be kept. The ones listed and pictured are only a few of the many which must have been made and if anyone knows of any others I would be happy to include them on this page.