Ertl

Ertl is a surname of German origin. It is borne by various individuals in German-speaking regions and by families who have emigrated elsewhere, and it may appear in records and genealogical contexts as a family name.

The Ertl Company, commonly known as Ertl Toys, is an American toy manufacturer best known for its die-cast metal vehicles and farm equipment. The company developed a wide line of farm toys and later expanded into automotive models and licensed products. Its catalog has included scales such as 1:16 and 1:64, offering both collectible display pieces and play-focused toys. The Ertl brand became associated with popular licenses from brands like John Deere, Ford, Chevrolet, and Case IH, making it a familiar name among hobbyists and collectors of die-cast models.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Ertl brand experienced ownership changes as part of broader industry consolidation. It was acquired by RC2 Corporation, and RC2 later became part of a larger corporate portfolio through subsequent acquisitions. As a result, Ertl products have continued under the umbrella of larger toy companies, with distribution and licensing arrangements evolving over time. Today, Ertl remains recognized in collector circles for its die-cast and scale farm toys and automotive models, even as production and distribution have shifted under different corporate ownership.