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Undetermined Type Items and Variants

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What is an undetermined type?
The words "Undetermined Type" in the name of a catalog entry indicate that items in inventories or for sale are not variant-specific.

What are variants?
Variants are differences in what is essentially the same item. For parts, these differences can be in the mold, the color, or the print. Part variants may be quite minor or involve serious functional differences. There are also variations in set contents, set packaging, and set instructions, as well as in books, catalogs, figures, and gear. In fact, anything in the BrickLink catalog may have variants.

How does BrickLink handle variants?
When a different version of an item in the catalog is discovered, then the existing catalog entry for that part is sometimes split into two or more entries. If there are any items for sale or items sold under the original catalog entry, then the original entry is not immediately removed from the catalog. Instead, the entry is marked for deletion after new catalog entries are created to account for the differences.

Are there lists of variants?
Yes. Some of them are below. The rest can be found by visiting the Item Relationships page and clicking the links.

Why doesn't BrickLink have catalog entries for all variants?
Splitting variants, especially part variants, involves significant work for sellers, buyers, administrators, and contributors. Therefore, variant splits may not happen frequently.

Why does BrickLink handle variants inconsistently?
BrickLink's handling of variants is the result of many years of differing viewpoints on how variants should be addressed. Much of this occurred without written guidelines on handling variants. Additionally, the site did not begin formally collecting data about all variants until late 2018, meaning that the true scope of variants was likely not fully understood prior to that time.

Are there variants not documented on this page?
Yes. Many variants haven't yet been discovered. And, in addition to the items on the lists below, there are other known issues on which no catalog-wide action has been taken:

  1. When alternate parts appear in a set and are intended to have stickers applied the stickered part entry is sometimes distinguished by variant and sometimes not. Technically there should be two entries for every stickered part that has a distinguished variant in a set inventory. The same applies for variants in assemblies.

  2. Similar or identical patterns that have both printed and molded versions are not currently distinguished by the catalog. Although not functionally different, these are technically different parts due to production differences and may have different Element IDs.

  3. Numerous parts have mold differences that involve the presence or absence of part numbers and the word "LEGO" being molded into the part, as well as some parts that have different versions of the LEGO logo on the studs. These differences are generally not distinguished or noted by the catalog.

  4. Mini doll heads have multiple undistinguished variations that would require significant changes throughout the category if addressed.

  5. Many Educational & Dacta sets varied in appearance and contents, sometimes significantly, during their years of production. A few of these sets have been split into multiple catalog entries, but most have not. Splitting all the sets that could be split would be a gargantuan task due to the relative rarity of sets and poor preservation, meaning a lack of sealed sets, for this line.

  6. Due to systemic flaws in site architecture, figure parts with mold variations are handled in ways that are confusing and sub-optimal. For example, in theory any figure manufactured from late 2010 through early 2013 could potentially include a head with a hollow stud or a blocked open stud.

  7. A fair number of sets were packaged differently with the same contents or similar (but different) contents. BrickLink recognizes some of these differences with separate catalog entries and item relationships, but does not recognize many others. Additionally, hundreds or thousands of sets had differences in original boxes and set instructions that are either unrecognized or only recognized with additional notes.



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Part Variants Not Completely Split

Below is a list of known part variants still in the process of being split. This means that these undetermined types still exist in the inventories of some sets, minifigures, gear items, or books.

  1. Arm Piece with Pin, 2 Fingers (Undetermined Type)
  2. Bar 1L with Clip Mechanical Claw (Undetermined Type)
  3. Bar 1 x 8 with Brick 1 x 2 Curved Top End (Undetermined Type)
  4. Belville Horse Bridle (Undetermined Type)
  5. Boat, Mast 2 x 2 x 20 with Holes and Axle Hole (Undetermined Type)
  6. Boat, Mast Section Middle 13 2/3 H (Undetermined Type)
  7. Boat, Mast Section Top 16 H with 4 Stud Holes at Bottom (Undetermined Type)
  8. Brick 1 x 1 x 5 (Undetermined Type)
  9. Brick 1 x 4 with Car Grille Black Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  10. Brick 1 x 4 with Car Grille Chrome Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  11. Brick, Modified 1 x 1 x 3 with 2 Clips Vertical (Undetermined Type)
  12. Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Clip (Vertical Grip) (Undetermined Type)
  13. Brick, Round 2 x 2 Dome Top (Undetermined Type)
  14. Clikits Tool, Part Separator (Undetermined Type)
  15. Clikits, Icon Round 2 x 2 Small with Hole (Undetermined Type)
  16. Container, Cupboard 2 x 3 x 2 (Undetermined Type)
  17. Dolphin with Normal Connection (Undetermined Type)
  18. Duplo Container Box 2 x 4 x 2 with Open Sides (Undetermined Type)
  19. Duplo Conveyor Belt (Undetermined Type)
  20. Duplo Horse Baby Foal Pony (Undetermined Type)
  21. Duplo Horse with Movable Head with Eyes Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  22. Duplo Propeller Rotor 3 Blade, 4 Diameter (Undetermined Type)
  23. Duplo Sheep with Flat Ears (Undetermined Type)
  24. Electric Sensor, Light with Non-Removable Lead (Undetermined Type)
  25. Electric, Sound Siren 9V 2 x 2 x 1 1/3 (Undetermined Type)
  26. Electric, Wire with Brick 2 x 2 x 2/3 Pair (Undetermined Type)
  27. Hinge Brick 2 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger Vertical (Undetermined Type)
  28. Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End (Undetermined Type)
  29. Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side (Undetermined Type)
  30. Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End (Undetermined Type)
  31. Hinge Plate 1 x 2 with 2 Fingers (Undetermined Type)
  32. Hinge Plate 1 x 2 with 3 Fingers (Undetermined Type)
  33. Horse, Belville (Undetermined Type)
  34. Horse, Foal, Belville (Undetermined Type)
  35. Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. (Undetermined Length)
  36. Hose, Ribbed 7mm D. (Undetermined Length)
  37. Hose, Rigid 3mm D. (Undetermined Length)
  38. Magnet Coupling, Train (Undetermined Type)
  39. Magnet Holder Tile 2 x 2 (Undetermined Type)
  40. Minifigure, Hair Female Long Straight with Bangs (Undetermined Type)
  41. Minifigure, Head Glasses with Silver Sunglasses, Black Eyebrows, Thin Grin Pattern - Hollow Stud (Undetermined Type)
  42. Minifigure, Headgear Helmet Space / Town with Thick Chin Strap (Undetermined Type)
  43. Minifigure, Headgear Helmet Space / Town with Thin Chin Strap (Undetermined Type)
  44. Minifigure, Shield Triangular with Wolfpack Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  45. Minifigure, Utensil Magnifying Glass with Trans-Clear Lens (Undetermined Type)
  46. Minifigure, Utensil Radio (Undetermined Type)
  47. Minifigure, Utensil Ski 6L (Undetermined Type)
  48. Minifigure, Weapon Pike / Spear (Undetermined Type)
  49. Plant, Tree Palm Trunk (Undetermined Type)
  50. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom Danju Wolf Pattern
  51. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom Jayko Hawk Pattern
  52. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom King Mathias Lion Head and Crown Pattern
  53. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom Rascus Monkey Pattern
  54. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom Santis Bear Pattern
  55. Plastic Shield (Undetermined Type) for Large Figures with Knights Kingdom Vladek Scorpion Pattern
  56. Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 1 Stud, Jumper (Undetermined Type)
  57. Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Bar Arm Up (Undetermined Type)
  58. Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Bar Handles (Undetermined Type)
  59. Plate, Modified 1 x 4 with Tow Ball Socket (Undetermined Type)
  60. Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Bar Handle (Undetermined Type)
  61. Slope 45 2 x 1 Double (Undetermined Type)
  62. Slope 45 2 x 1 Double / Inverted (Undetermined Type)
  63. Slope 75 2 x 1 x 3 (Undetermined Type)
  64. Slope 75 2 x 2 x 3 (Undetermined Type)
  65. Slope, Curved 2 x 4 Double (Undetermined Type)
  66. String, Cord (Undetermined Type)
  67. String, Cord Medium Thickness (Undetermined Length)
  68. String, Cord Thick (Undetermined Length)
  69. String, Cord Thin (Undetermined Length)
  70. Support 2 x 2 x 2 Stand (Undetermined Type)
  71. Tap 1 x 1 (Undetermined Type)
  72. Technic Engine Cylinder (Undetermined Type)
  73. Technic Turntable 60 Tooth, Top (Undetermined Type)
  74. Technic, Axle and Pin Connector 2 x 5 with 2 Ball Joint Sockets, Closed Sides (Undetermined Type)
  75. Technic, Axle Connector 2L (Ridged Undetermined Type)
  76. Technic, Brick Modified 2 x 2 with Ball Socket and Axle Hole (Undetermined Type)
  77. Technic, Gear 24 Tooth Crown (Undetermined Type)
  78. Technic, Link 1 x 6 (Undetermined Type)
  79. Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Tow Ball (Undetermined Type)
  80. Technic, Shock Absorber 6.5L (Undetermined Type)
  81. Technic, Shock Absorber 6.5L, Piston Rod with Spring (Undetermined Type)
  82. Tile 1 x 1 with Groove with Silver Capital Letter Q Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  83. Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille (Undetermined Type)
  84. Tile, Modified 2 x 3 with 2 Clips (Undetermined Type)
  85. Tire 17.5mm D. x 6mm with Shallow Staggered Treads (Undetermined Type)
  86. Torso Octan Logo and 'OIL' Pattern (Undetermined Type)
  87. Torso Octan Logo and 'OIL' Pattern (Undetermined Type) / Blue Arms / Yellow Hands
  88. Wheel 11mm D. x 12mm (Undetermined Type)
  89. Window 1 x 4 x 5 (Undetermined Type)
  90. Windscreen 2 x 4 x 3 Frame (Undetermined Type)
  91. Windscreen 6 x 4 x 1 1/3 (Undetermined Type)


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Part Variants Needing Action

Below is a list of known part variants that require updates. Two or more variants of each part exist and each catalog entry on this list needs to be renumbered to show that multiple variants exist, be retitled, or be marked for deletion after a specific catalog entry is created to replace it. There is no specific time set for any parts on this list.

  1. Antenna 1 x 4 - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the rounded top version. A catalog entry already exists for the flat top version.
  2. Arm Piece with Pin, 2 Fingers - This entry has "B" and "C" versions without an "A" version.
  3. Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 4 - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the squared corners version. A catalog entry already exists for the rounded corners version.
  4. Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the solid stud version. A catalog entry already exists for the hollow stud version.
  5. Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Cable Holding Cutout - This entry will be replaced by an entry for square cutout version. Entry already exists for oval cutout version.
  6. Brick, Modified 2 x 4 with Coupling, Male - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the low pin version. A catalog entry already exists for the high pin version.
  7. Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  8. Cloth Sail Rectangle with One Extended Corner - This entry was incorrectly combined. Two sails exist with two different PCCs.
  9. Cone 1 x 1 without Top Groove - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  10. Container, Box 2 x 2 x 2 - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the hollow stud version. A catalog entry already exists for the solid stud version.
  11. Container, Treasure Chest Bottom - Slots in Back - This entry is undetermined - three known variants are grouped within. Also, B-variant should be A-variant.
  12. Door 1 x 3 x 2 Left - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  13. Door 1 x 3 x 2 Right - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  14. Door 1 x 3 x 3 Left - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  15. Door 1 x 3 x 3 Right - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  16. Door 1 x 3 x 4 Left - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  17. Door 1 x 3 x 4 Right - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  18. Door 1 x 5 x 4 Left - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  19. Door 1 x 5 x 4 Right - This entry will be replaced by an entry which describes the handle version. Entry already exists for the thin handle version.
  20. Hinge Cylinder 1 x 3 Locking with 1 Finger and 2 Fingers on Ends, without Hole - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  21. Minifigure, Utensil Camera Handheld Style with Compact Handle - This entry may simply need the item number changed.
  22. Panel 1 x 2 x 1 - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the squared corners version. A catalog entry already exists for the rounded corners version.
  23. Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Clips Horizontal (thick open U clips) - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  24. Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Steam Engine Cylinder, Round Surfaces - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  25. Plate, Modified 8 x 8 with Grille - This entry will be replaced by an entry without a center hole. Entry already exists for the center hole version.
  26. Propeller 3 Blade 5.5 Diameter - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the large hole version. A catalog entry already exists for the small hole version.
  27. Slope 45 2 x 1 - This entry will be replaced by an entry for the bottom tube version. A catalog entry already exists for the version sans bottom tube.
  28. Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Toggle Joint Toothed - This entry will be replaced by an entry without slots. Two other catalog entries already exist.
  29. Technic, Brick 1 x 2 with Axle Hole - This entry will be replaced by an entry describing the currently undefined version. Two other catalog entries already exist.
  30. Technic, Brick Modified 2 x 2 with Ball and Axle Hole - This entry will be replaced by an entry sans ball holes. Entry exists for version with holes in ball.
  31. Technic, Gear 16 Tooth with Clutch - This entry has a "B" version without an "A" version.
  32. Tire 17 x 43 - This entry has a "B" version without an "A" version.
  33. Tire 23mm D. x 7mm Offset Tread - Band Around Center of Tread - This entry has a "B" version without an "A" version.
  34. Tread Small - Old (30 tread 'links') - This entry has an "A" version without a "B" version.
  35. Tile 2 x 2 with Black Train Track Switch Point Left and Number 2 Pattern - This entry needs to be split.
  36. Tile 2 x 2 with Black Train Track Switch Point Right and Number 1 Pattern - This entry needs to be split.
  37. Tire Smooth Old Style - Small - This entry and its variants may need to be renumbered.
  38. Train, Track 4.5V Crossing - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  39. Train, Track 12V Conducting Rail Straight - This entry has a "C" version, but no "A" or "B" versions.
  40. Train, Track 12V Conducting Rail Curved - This entry may simply need to be renumbered.
  41. Train, Track Rail Curved Inside - This entry may simply need to be marked for deletion.
  42. Train, Track Rail Curved Outside - This entry may simply need to be marked for deletion.
  43. Wedge, Plate 8 x 4 Wing Left - This entry has an "A" version without a "B" version.
  44. Wedge, Plate 8 x 4 Wing Right - This entry has an "A" version without a "B" version.
  45. Wheel 43.2 x 28 Balloon Small - This entry has an "A" version without a "B" version.
  46. Wheel Old with 4 Studs - This entry has "B," "C," and "D" versions without an "A" version.


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Known Color Variations in Parts

This is a list of known parts for which colors vary noticeably. This list does not categorically include colors that are known to vary due to quality control, such as dark red. The list also does not include variations in marbling because parts with color marbling generally vary, sometimes quite significantly. These color variations are not likely to be distinguished in the future and this list is provided merely for informational purposes.

  1. Bar 12L with Open Stud, Tow Ball, and Slit (Boat Mast) - This part color varies in red.
  2. Bionicle Zamor Sphere (Ball) - This part color varies in all colors.
  3. Door for Slotted Bricks - This part color varies in all colors.
  4. Hinge Coupling Nylon - Two Connected 2 x 2 Plates - This part color varies, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
  5. Human Tool, Rip Cord Flexible with Handle Thin for Chima Speedorz - This part color varies in yellow.
  6. Pin for FreeStyle Wheel - This part color varies in red.
  7. Rock Infinity Stone - This part color varies in trans-yellow.
  8. Technic, Engine Crankshaft - This part color varies in red and yellow.
  9. Technic, Engine Piston Round - This part color varies in red and yellow.
  10. Window 4 Pane for Slotted Bricks - This part color varies in all colors.
  11. Window 6 Pane for Slotted Bricks - This part color varies in all colors.
  12. Window 8 Pane for Slotted Bricks - This part color varies in all colors.
  13. Windup Motor 1980s Key - This part color varies in red.


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Known Set Variants Not Distinguished

This is a list of known set variants not currently distinguished (meaning split into separate catalog entries), set entries still being split, and other oddities in the BrickLink catalog. These set entries may or may not be changed in the future.

  1. Beauty Studio - This set is known to have come in a limited release to the press with special outer packaging.
  2. Dacta Pneumatic Set (Late Version) - This set is an unfinished variant split.
  3. Little Creations - This set is known to have come in a limited release to the press with special outer packaging.
  4. Nonmotorized Simple Machines Set (2002 Version) - This set is an unfinished variant split.
  5. Serious Play Connections Kit 2010 - This set is an unfinished variant split.
  6. Serious Play Identity and Landscape Kit 2010 - This set is an unfinished variant split.


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Known Catalog Variants Not Distinguished

This is a list of known variants from the Catalogs item type not currently distinguished (meaning split into separate catalog entries) and other oddities from the Catalogs item type. These entries may or may not be changed in the future.

  1. 2001 Mini Bionicle (4160419) - This catalog has four known variants.
  2. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Gali (4130829) - This catalog has four known variants.
  3. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Kopaka (4130832) - This catalog has four known variants.
  4. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Lewa (4130831) - This catalog has four known variants.
  5. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Onua (4130828) - This catalog has four known variants.
  6. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Pohatu (4130827) - This catalog has four known variants.
  7. 2001 Mini Bionicle - Tahu (4130830) - This catalog has four known variants.


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Known Figure Variants Not Distinguished and Other Oddities

This is a list of known figure variants not currently distinguished (meaning split into separate catalog entries) and other oddities in the BrickLink catalog. This list does not precisely match the purpose of other lists on this page, but is included for the sake of keeping a record. These figure entries may or may not be changed in the future.

  1. Battle Droid Pilot with Blue Torso with Tan Insignia and One Straight Arm - This figure is undetermined because there are two different arm attachments.
  2. Battle Droid Security with Straight Arm and Dark Red Torso - This figure is undetermined because there are two different arm attachments.
  3. Battle Droid with One Straight Arm - This figure is undetermined because there are two different arm attachments.
  4. Bill - This figure can be made with stickers from LEGOLAND Idea Book 6000, but otherwise does not qualify for a catalog entry.
  5. Classic - Yellow Castle Knight Red - with Vest Stickers - This figure is undetermined because there are two different sticker color possibilities.
  6. Classic - Yellow Castle Knight Red Cavalry - with Vest Stickers - This figure is undetermined because there are two different sticker color possibilities.
  7. Mary - This figure can be made with stickers from LEGOLAND Idea Book 6000, but otherwise does not qualify for a catalog entry.


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This document was last updated on Apr 24, 2024 20:16 by randyf (442)