Mattel is a company that manufactures toys. The company is based in Southern California. Mattel was started by Elliot Handler, Ruth, and Harold Matson (nicknamed as 'Matt') in 1945. The company initially manufactured frames, until Ruth suggested converting their workshop into a full fledged business for doll houses. Soon their innovations gained success. In the year 1947, they introduced their first musical toy, which eventually gained popularity.

With the beginning of 1950, Mattel started producing toy guns, which were called 'Shootin' Shells'. These guns are also popularly known as cap gun or cap pistol. These toy guns make a loud sound similar to a gunshot and a puff of smoke is released from the gun. The series of 'shootin' shell' guns had a revolving cylinder. One could actually load 6 bullets, which were made of iron (after WWII it was made of zinc and the newer version has bullet cast made of plastic). Each bullet had two parts. When they were loaded and fired, the effects were almost akin to a realistic gun. The package was provided with 12 safe bullet noses and 6 cartridges. This particular model gained more popularity than the other two (semi-automatic with revolving cylinder and regular revolver). The gun was 9' long and the total weight was 12 pounds. These guns were so realistic that they were used in television shows and films.

Mattel not only manufactured toy guns but they were also involved with other types of toys too. The Mattel Company is popular for their doll called 'Barbie', who debuted in 1959 and 'Ken', who debuted in 1961.