Glossary

By Arno Lippassaar

Below are some terms that are used in collecting toys (see also the "Rating Toys" section). If there are some terms you think we should have included, email us at toysbbs@ebay.com with the term and the definition.

Baby Boomer - Usually refers to toys from the 1950s to the 1960s

Blister Pack - A clear plastic packaging used to package smaller toys. This is usually glued to cardboard.

Cast Iron - A type of metal used in producing toys from the 1800s through the 1940s

Character Toy - Refers to toys related to cartoon characters, TV personalities, or celebrities

Diecast - A manufacturing method of producing toy metal cars from the 1950s to the 1960s

Header Card - A piece of cardboard with graphics on it used to package an item attached to blister pack.

Hot Wheels™ - A manufacturer of diecast vehicles.

Matchbox™ car - A manufacturer of diecast cars. Sometimes used as a generic term for small toy cars.

Redline - Refers to a wheel type available on early Hot Wheels™ cars.

Reproduction (repro) - An item made very similar or exactly like an earlier made item.

Scale - Refers to a toy's size in reference to real-life size. (that is, 1/64th, 1/32nd)

Sealed - Never opened toy. Still in the original packaging.

Super-Fast™ - Refers to a wheel type available on Matchbox™ cars.

Vintage - Original, not a reproduction. Usually refers to the 1970s or earlier.

Vinyl - Soft plastic that yields to firm pressure.

The preceding material was written by Arno Lippassaar. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.