Centurion tank toy, 1986 (c)

With its Union flag sticker, this tank comes from a collection of plastic accessories for toy British soldiers.

The real Centurion tank, introduced in 1945, just too late for use in the Second World War (1939-1945), was produced until 1966, running through 13 variants. It was undoubtedly the best tank of its time and served with the British Army in Korea and Suez and with Australian forces in Vietnam.

A total of 4,423 Centurion tanks were produced between 1945 and 1966. It was one of the most successful British tank designs of all time, especially when armed with the 105 mm gun.