Mattel

Founded in California by Harold Matson and Elliot and Ruth Handler; Barbie (1959) and Hot Wheels (1968).

Harold Matson and the couple Elliot and Ruth Handler started Mattel in a garage workshop making picture frames and doll's-house furniture. The name came from Matson and Elliot.

Ruth Handler launched Barbie in 1959, a doll with an adult body with which children could play at the future. Hot Wheels of 1968 were fast toy cars on plastic tracks, and Mattel later bought Fisher-Price and Matchbox.

Mattel and copyright year moulded in; on Barbie the year often refers to the mould, not the year of manufacture.

• Toys