Way 2 Cute

tru-life asked:


 

Barbie is a best-selling fashion doll launched in 1959. The doll is produced by Mattel, Inc., and is a major source of revenue for the company. The American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002) is regarded as the creator of Barbie, and the doll’s design was inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli.

Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.

Collecting:

Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors. Ninety percent are women, at an average age of 40, purchasing more than twenty Barbie dolls each year. Forty-five percent of them spend upwards of $1000 a year.

Vintage Barbie dolls from the early years are the most valuable at auction, and while the original Barbie was sold for $3.00 in 1959, a mint boxed Barbie from 1959 sold for $3552.50 on eBay in October 2004. On September 26, 2006, a Barbie doll set a world record at auction of £9,000 sterling (US $17,000) at Christie’s in London. The doll was a Barbie in Midnight Red from 1965 and was part of a private collection of 4,000 Barbie dolls being sold by two Dutch women, Ietje Raebel and her daughter Marina

In recent years Mattel has sold a wide range of Barbie dolls aimed specifically at collectors, including porcelain versions and depictions of Barbie as a range of characters from television series such as The Munsters and Star Trek There are also collector’s edition dolls depicting Barbie dolls with a range of different ethnic identities. In 2004 Mattel introduced the Color Tier system for its collector’s edition Barbie dolls, ranging through pink, silver, gold and platinum depending on how many of the dolls are produced.

collectible barbie dolls , retro barbie , vintage mattel dolls at www.vintagebarbieandken.com



DVD’S Under $1

dollmarket asked:


Tips to buy and sell Barbie Dolls online

It is not unnatural that the online sellers repent for not saving their Barbie Dolls when they come to know the big bucks behind pretty doll business.

Barbie, the doll which has been attracting the worldwide kids and elders since 1959, is available for wide range of prices from $5 to $5,000.

One has to know the nuances of doll business to buy or sell Barbies online. For example, just handful of profit you can see if you put up a classic Bubble-cut Barbie for sale at low opening bid with no reserve.

Web reference

Thanks to Internet, one can get lot of information, pictures, quotes and suggestions on doll collection through browsing hundreds of websites. However, three websites are worth watching for latest updates and vast information of Barbie dolls.

Doll Reference (http://www.dollreference.com/) is the best place to start off. This is a large, doll-collecting site, and the Barbie Menu is provided separately to find vintage Barbie & Friends of 1959 – 1976. There are more than 156 pages and nearly 2 thousand pictures in this section.

Official site for Mattel’s Barbie Dolls, Barbie Collectibles, (http://www.barbiecollectibles.com) cannot be ignored for your comprehensive information on Barbie Dolls business. From 1959 till today, it presents both classic and modern collection of Barbie Dolls and friends. Barbie fashions, newsletter to the members and space for showcasing member’s collection are the additional advantages of this website.

To get acquainted with the business lingo of Barbie Dolls, “Barbie Collecting Terminology” (http://www.dollectibles.com/terminology.htm) is a must watch. The website rolls out all kinds of letters/characters, abbreviations related to the title and their detailed information.

Tips to identify your Barbie

Markings encrypted on backside and back of the neck indicate the product details, in the absence of pictures. The condition of doll affects the cost like all other collectibles. Clothing, paint, torso, face and the condition of hair help you in determining the price. For a seller, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantage of these features. It is advisable that a buyer should ascertain the above, by sending an email or calling the seller if they are not found in the specifications.

Source Edited Part

486 words 366 words

It is a sad fact of life that some people are dishonest, others forgetful, and others misinformed about dolls. Just like in a real life transaction at a doll show or shop, you need to protect yourself from being “taken” by the less-than scrupulous when you buy or sell dolls on the Internet at such online auction houses like eBay or Amazon.com, or in person-to-person direct sales from web sites. Unlike real life, when you purchase a doll online, you can’t inspect it yourself. As a seller, your biggest fears are someone not paying you after the doll is sent, or someone returning a doll to you that is in worse condition than when you sent it. As a buyer, your biggest fear is getting NO doll at all after you have paid for it, or a doll that is in much worse condition than described. Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself in online transactions, as both a buyer and a seller:

BUYING:

1. Get REFERENCES: If you are dealing with an unknown person or entity, find out the names of other people who have had successful online transactions with the seller, and CONTACT THEM, via e-mail or phone.

2. Send a CHECK, and not a money order, whenever possible (this is the reverse of what you would prefer as a seller). You can stop a check, but there is little you can do about a money order if things go bad in the middle of a deal.

3. Get EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS. Ask questions if the initial description is not detailed enough, and make sure you receive answers. If you sense resistance, or receive evasiveness or vague answers, PASS.

4. Get PICTURES whenever possible. If the seller is not equipped to send them via e-mail, then request them via snail mail (computer-speak for US Postal Service).

5. Get a RETURN PRIVILEGE; You WILL get dolls that are over-optimistically described, and you WILL use this privilege if you buy many dolls online.

6. Use COMMON SENSE: If something feels “off” about the doll, the seller, or the transaction, or you just get a bad feeling, LISTEN to your inner self, and pass on the doll. It isn’t worth taking a chance, and your inner warning system is usually reliable. The few times I have been “burnt” on a doll, if I had paid attention to my misgivings, I wouldn’t have been!

7. Don’t be RUSHED: If the seller is in an undue rush (desperate for money; family emergency, raising cash), your warning system should go off. Another doll will come along; PASS

8. Get a PHONE NUMBER and an ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and a post-office box; both can be ignored or disappear. Call the phone number.

9. KEEP CORRESPONDENCE: Keep all computerized correspondence until the doll is delivered, in case there is a dispute.

10. Do NOT Take Part In A THIRD PARTY Transaction: Don’t buy a doll from x who is either selling or shipping it for y. This is a recipe for disaster; you can get caught in the middle of a dispute between the two parties. This has happened to me; a lady went on a long vacation, left a doll with a friend to ship when my $$ were received. They had a dispute over postage and shipping costs (and, she stiffed her friend on the electricity bill). I had to pay postage and handling on the doll AGAIN (my cheapest option to get out of this), while the two parties continued to argue and I didn’t get my doll for nearly a month!

11. Does The Transaction Sound Too Good To Be True? Is someone offering you a perfect Jumeau for $500? RUN, quickly, in the opposite computerized direction.

12. Don’t Buy Dolls that are TOO EXPENSIVE Online: Set a limit that won’t be TOO painful if all of your precautions are of no use, and you get stuck with the dog doll of the century, or, even worse, no doll at all after payment. Remember, only YOU know what is too big a risk for you to take–for one person, it might be $50. For another, $5,000.

13. SHIPPING INSURANCE: It is a good idea to have this, in case your doll is lost or damaged in transit.

SELLING:

1. Get REFERENCES. Does the buyer pay their bills? Get e-mail and phone references from online transactions to make sure.

2. MONEY ORDERS AND CHECK CLEARANCE: When you sell, money orders are best for YOU. Money Orders are best. If you accept checks, make 100% sure it has cleared your bank before you ship the doll.

.3 Get a PHONE NUMBER and ACTUAL ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and post office box or a PMB. Call the phone number.

4. DISCLOSE ALL FLAWS: As mentioned above. Be 100% honest, or you will end up with unsuccessful transactions and returns!

5. Have POLICIES ON PAYMENT: Also as mentioned above, and stick to them

6. Offer a RETURN POLICY–I offer return for anything that is NOT as described (purchaser finds a flaw I didn’t describe, etc.) and a more liberal policy if asked for it up front.

7. Keep CORRESPONDENCE, DOCUMENTATION AND PICTURES: Since you DO offer a return policy, you need to protect yourself against the unscrupulous buyer who may return to you a DIFFERENT doll of the same type, which is in worse condition than yours (this is not very common, but could happen). I know one lady who sent out a mint #6 vintage Barbie, and what was returned to her was a very played with #6 Barbie. At least until the transaction is successfully completed, keep everything in case of a dispute.

8. Make The Buyer Purchase SHIPPING INSURANCE. It will help you have peace of mind, in case the box doesn’t arrive. Also, it gives you proof of successful delivery.

9. Ship PROMPTLY, and let your customer know when to expect shipment. If you are going on a one week vacation, and can’t ship that week, let your buyers know in ADVANCE so they don’t get nervous when their e-mails to you aren’t answered.

10. UPS VS. US MAIL?: This is a personal choice; I have had good luck with Priority Mail, Insured. My UPS packages are often received more mangled than my post office ones, because UPS ships so many heavy packages. BUT, UPS has a marvelous tracking service; you can track a package with your computer. So, for my very expensive or large dolls, I DO use UPS. Both services offer return receipts for a fee, and for expensive dolls, I would purchase this extra peace of mind.

11. PACK the doll well. You DO NOT want to have an expensive doll ruined in transit. You will have a headache to deal with, a ruined sale, and an unhappy customer.

I hope these tips are helpful; in future articles, we will cover buying and selling dolls via eBay and other online auctons, as well as buying and selling dolls via other methods on the Internet.



Gifts Under $5

dollmarket asked:


Barbie Doll Collection – Guidelines



Here I wish to give an explicit list of instructions to collect Barbie dolls and a note on changing trends.

1. Look for no damage: Check the Barbie Doll you collect thoroughly, for any breaks or scratches since the defected dolls are less valued.

2. NRFB dolls are worthy: The Barbie Doll in ‘never removed from the box’ condition is more valuable than the one removed from pack.

3. Insist on original: A restored or an altered Barbie may be appealing but it is no good for collector, in terms of value.

4. Time of the make: The date you usually find on the abdomen of a doll is the designed date of mold but not the date it was made.

5. Distinct ones get more: The rarity of Barbie Dolls always counts. Dolls which are produced less than 35,000 as Limited editions are valued more than the Collector editions that are released more than 35,000 in number.

6. Attire: Doll with original getup and accessories are worthier than the Barbie Doll’s outfit when it is sold.

7. Update with latest price list: Buy a book that gives existing values for Barbie Doll. Assess your collectible Doll’s value by finding the same doll in list and an average of prices shown in such lists tells you the actual value.

8. Compare: Doll-shows at your place, auctions, local stores and online shops help you to compare the doll you are looking for with that of others.

9. How you evaluate is important: A Barbie Doll finds place in your collection only when it attracts you. In that way, your emotional attachment with that doll outdoes the market value and it becomes so precious for you!

10. That’s like a good doll: Good dolls never look weird as dumb or too trendy. You can pay more for collector picks and classics.

First is The Best

I received my first Barbie Doll on my fifth birthday in 1960. Like any other girl, I love the first doll of the collection. At that time Barbie was just one year or so and her first design was with strapless black and white zebra lines swimsuit and brown colored short hair.

Houseful of Dolls

It didn’t take much time to find plenty of Barbie Dolls within our collection. We, three little sisters collected dolls with every outfit and possible haircut. Our room used to be filled with sunglasses, earrings and plastic mules. Headless bodies of dolls in the garden and floating heads in the toilets had become common as the collection amassed.

We would have made much fortune if such large collection of 1960s was well taken care of.

Barbie’s Allies in 1960s

Barbie used to have apparently less number of friends, clothes, careers or vehicles in 60s. Assorted things and friends of Barbie was a big fascination for most girls.

Ken Carson, Barbie’s beau who was another important doll of my collection but I took less care to dress him up since he wore very casual clothes all the time including formal occasions accompanying Barbie.

Midge, the red haired friend of Barbie came later. However, Mattel was smart enough to design Midge’s clothes so specially that Barbie’s clothes never fit the blonde.

Barbie got a sister called Skipper and we had one Skipper doll at least.

Time for Multicultural Barbies

I was told about Caucasian dolls by couple of my African-American friends of our group while talking about toys and dolls we had. Including Mattel, the maker of Barbie couldn’t catch up the trend in time.

Old is Gold

If I were to buy, I would prefer to go for number of Barbies that look so chic and distinguished made in the years between 1959 and 1965.

As far as ‘the best collection’ of Barbie is concerned I recommend to spend on originals and first of the series and avoid indifferent qualities of latest ones.

Gift a lookalike Barbie

Barbie is a perfect gift when you present it dressed in a similar way of little girl whose birthday or other occasion is on. Then the girl likes to keep her Barbie clean, new and carefully dressed as she does for herself.



Gifts Under $5

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Antique Dolls are popular collectible items. They were a majority of liking of little girls and children. In olden days, children often played with these dolls by dressing and redressing them. The antique dolls have sometimes bodies worn out that are patched or re-patched. Antique dolls have to be handled with care and some of them can become really cute toys for kids who are still interested in playing with dolls.

It is difficult to purchase antique dolls over the internet. The modern dolls like the Barbie collection are easily available that are painted in a standard way, with standard manufactured clothing. Where as the antique dolls are unique with respect to their clothing and looks. Thus, it becomes necessary to have a personal look on the dolls before purchasing them. If you are a novice in case of antique dolls, then you must follow certain tips as follows;

The first thing that strikes the mind while starting to collect antique dolls is its condition. It is obvious that the body of the dolls can be worn out, with some patching work done. Replacement of body parts such as the eyes, wigs and other parts can be expensive and finding the appropriate clothing. Reproduction of clothes and shoes are widely available if an undressed doll is purchased. It is just that it is cheaper than the others are. For this, study of antique dolls in necessary, to properly shop for its accessories. Antique Doll Collector is a good magazine that has all the concerned details regarding the dolls and their dealers.

The prices for antique dolls have a good range, i.e. it can be purchased by anyone as the prices are equal to or less than current artist made dolls. Many of the German made dolls are in the range of $200 to $500.

While selecting antique dolls one should be careful of the hairline cracks and other imperfections. They can tend to increase in magnitude as days pass. It should be considered mainly if you have an expectation of re-selling it. However, minute damages are not visible when the dolls are at display. Therefore, before purchasing them a thorough scrutiny should follow.

Clothing, shoes and accessories are another section to concentrate. Try purchasing an original doll with its garments, shoes, hats and other stuffs. It can be expensive to look out for each accessory individually and it should suit the looks of the doll.

The inspection should cover all these tips along with some other important aspects such as

* Make use of lights and torch to inspect any cracks or damage. If possible, remove the wig and the pate and have a look at the head properly. Any dark patches may indicate restoration work, so avoid those dolls.

* Inspect the eyes if they have been reset. It should match the overall structure of the doll.

* See the integrity of the costumes, check for any moth holes on the fabric of the cloth.

* An important consideration for the overall value of the doll is, whether it has an appropriate body. The dealers very often keep changing the body parts to attract customers depending on their likings. So look out for it before buying the antique doll.

* Finally, just try to glance the overall doll and determine what its overall impression is. It can be considered by keeping the price tag in mind.



Gifts Under $5

Terry Edwards asked:


Have you ever asked yourself why Barbie doll collecting is so popular? What drives tens of thousands of people to snap up every type of Barbie doll imaginable?

Barbie Was Brilliantly Marketed Mattel learned early on exactly how to market the Barbie doll. No other doll maker has come close to her. Barbie has been seen on TV commercials since the early 1960’s. With over 40 years of continuous television exposure you can’t help but see the ads throughout your childhood and into adulthood. This exposure has led Barbie to being one of the most popular toys in history.

Barbie Dolls Are Nostalgic

If you are a woman under the age of 60 then you most likely owned a Barbie when you were a kid. Just like baseball cards, if you collected Barbies’s when you were young, the chances are good that you enjoy it now.

Many people still have their original dolls from their childhood and it almost has become an obsession to collect each and every Barbie doll there is.

Barbie Is Not A Fad

You know that when you buy a Barbie doll that you will always be able to buy new clothes and accessories for her. She is not here today, gone tomorrow. No other doll can say that.

The Internet Has Fueled Barbie Doll Collecting

That’s right, the online world has helped promote Barbie doll collecting to the next level. You can find all sorts of Barbie doll forums as well as websites to purchase Barbie’s. Ebay is a great example of this. Both advertisers and collectors alike can get together and discuss anything and everything to do with Barbie, as well as buy and sell.

What does the future hold in store for Barbie doll collecting? No one can say for sure, but if it is anything like the past, you can expect some really great things to take place.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.



Laptop Auctions

Veronica Scott asked:


One of the joys of childhood is collecting things. Maybe you remember having a collection or two when you were young. A rock collection may have started with one or two pretty pieces of stone, or a shell collection may have begun with the annual family trip to the beach. You may have liked dogs or cats and collected pictures and books.

As a parent, you may not understand why children collect the things they do, but one thing is certain: Children learn about the world around them through these collections. At first that shell or stone is just another pretty item, but from there, the child will want to know what that pink stone is, or what kind of animal lived in the tiny shell.

The urge to collect usually begins around age six or seven. While you might not understand the reasons why your child chooses to collect a particular item, the important thing is to let them do it. At this stage, your child hasn’t grasped the concept of a true collectable having greater value in the future.

How many times have you said to yourself “I wish I still had those model airplanes Mom threw out. They’d be worth a lot today”? Your child is going to want to play with his or her collection and won’t be interested in keeping items in pristine condition.

Many collectors have learned to buy two of each item, one for display or play and the other remaining in the original packaging for later. Of course, this can get expensive because you have no way of knowing if the object will increase in value later down the road or if your child will have a long-term interest in collecting it.

Whether your child collects rocks or Barbie dolls, collecting has some very important developmental bonuses. Call these the hidden value of collectibles:

Knowledge

The greatest benefit your child gets from collecting is knowledge of the world around them. One piece of knowledge leads to another, which in turn might lead to a life-long career. That seemingly insignificant stone or shell could provide the springboard for the next great archaeologist or marine biologist.

Social Skills

Socializing with other children may not come easy to some kids. Collections give your child a chance to connect with other children who have the same interests. It can serve as a way to open up venues of communication and help your child to form lasting friendships.

Family Bonding

Maybe you have one of your collections from your childhood you’ve been able to share with your child. When you pass these collections on to the next generation, you’re not just sharing an object, you’re sharing memories. You saved each piece in your collection for a reason. Often, the sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value of the object.

Expanding the Imagination

Your child will spend hours arranging his or her collection, but this is more than the simple act of organizing. To your child, this is playing. They might have a collection of Barbie dolls and while your little girl changes Barbie’s clothes and hair, she starts to learn about fashion or imagines herself doing all the things Barbie does.

For a child, collections aren’t meant to sit on the shelf gathering dust. Their collections are meant to be functional. After all, what good is a toy if you can’t play with it? There is nothing wrong with having a few items meant to sit on the shelf, but for the most part, let your child decide what they see as valuable and let them play. Who knows where it will lead?



Hot Brand Shoes

Bonun asked:


Children doll business is may be the largest business in toy industry. As we all know that almost every children love to play doll, any kind of dolls. Therefore, people who can see this opportunity to find themselves to get into this business to gain profits. However, as this business has enormous market value so it naturally be come competitive as well. So it is really necessary for you to know some fact before you come into this challenging business.

The dolls are used by the children where it resembles mostly the characters in the cartoons and comics. They became a integrate thing with the toys. The doll collecting is a unique hobby where a child collects the toys and dolls interested to him. The dolls came into existence even from the older days. The wood and clay is the primary material of the dolls where the materials like animal fur and synthetic materials are used now for the enhanced look of the dolls. There also dolls made from the paper, wax and porcelain. With the latest versions of dolls, many teenagers have the passion of collecting the dolls.

Even though are are so many types of dolls available in the market, but it seems that the most favourable and popular type is animal dolls. This is because animal is only thing that kids can get familiar with and be able to remember at the first stage of learning so animal dolls are also the thing that they can get familiar with very quickly too.

Animal Dolls

The dolls usually resemble a cartoon or cosmic characters. The dolls with the shape of animal looks very pretty and it acts as the virtual pet to the children. The design and structure of the dolls are made to look like a genuine structure of the animal so that it attracts all age group of children. The passion of collecting the animal dolls has increased and the children can collect the animal dolls to use them as a pet.

Choosing Right Dealer In Online

The dolls that are displayed in the online store acts as the best source for the animal dolls collecting children. They display all the new collections and verities of animal dolls so that the children can get a best doll from the home. Choosing a best online store is important because it saves the time and money of the visitors. However, it is fairly to say that finding the ideal dealers is not very easy. There are so many factor to consider such as price, delivery, the quality of products and so on. Therefore, it is your job to look around the internet to find the ideal one by your self as there are so many resources available such as online classified or alibaba.com if you want to find partners from overseas.

The dolls which are of unique and new to the market can be availed in the website and can be purchased it from the home. These dolls can also be used as a gift to others and can be used as a best Christmas gifts to children.



Cheap Beach Holidays.

Lily Morgan asked:


Doll collecting is a hobby that has been in practise for many years. There are collectors that dedicate their entire hobby interest to dolls, dollhouses and the proper maintenance of them. Hobbies such as this are not for the weak. It takes plenty of time and commitment to grow a substantial doll collection. Beginners should take a time out to consider the many facets of doll collecting. It certainly should be a decision made based on joy and passion. Doll collecting is a much bigger world than some might think based on first impressions.

For the beginner that is seriously interested in devoting time to making doll collecting a viable hobby, it’s important to seek out information. Be sure that any sources used for facts and information gathering are reputable. It’s incredibly easy to be misled by websites or other sources that are not accurate. It’s important to know what you want to get out of your doll collecting experience. Going in blind can leave you feeling clueless and uncertain of where or how to begin.

The first thing that most would be doll collectors should do is read up on the most basic and common types of collectible dolls. There are certain ones that can easily be identified if you know what to look for. Getting informed should always be used as a starting point. There are many fabulous resources that can assist new doll collectors in their new endeavour. Try an online search or consult the library for hobby books.

Look into doll shows and exhibits. This is an ideal place for getting acquainted with other doll collectors. It also opens your eyes to a whole new world. Plenty can be learned from attending a doll exhibit. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of the professionals since there is no better place to gain valuable information. Browsing through the many dolls on display is great for getting ideas and insight on the many possibilities associated with collecting dolls.

One thing about being a collector of any type of item is that you must always keep your eyes open for that one great find. Some of the most valuable dolls collected were saved from somebody’s attic or storage room. Garage sales tend to have more antiques than one would assume. Many people selling old dolls are not even aware of the potential collectible within their possession. Don’t underestimate the bargains you can find by perusing garage sales and second hand stores for dolls and doll accessories.

Of course it should go without saying that dolls must be properly and carefully stored. To improperly store a doll of value may effectively reduce the worth of the doll. Paying attention to factors like temperature and moisture is extremely important. Too much or too little of either of these can be detrimental. If you know you have dolls of value or wish to preserve them so they may increase in worth, seek out professional assistance. Collecting dolls requires patience and persistence, both of which always pay off.



Cheap Beach Holidays.

John Mowatt asked:


ll be fifty years old in 2009. I wish we all looked that good after half a century! Ah well she has had lots of plastic surgery over the years.

The first Barbie was made by Mattel in 1959 and since then millions have been sold all over the world. Her official birthday is March 9th 1959 when she was exhibited at the New York Toy Fair. She was dressed in a black and white zebra striped one piece swim suit,open toe high heeled shoes,hoop earrings and white sunglasses with blue lenses. She has blonde or brunette hair in a ponytail at the back. She has white irises and very arched eyebrows. The plastic had a tendency to fade and is usually white now. She has holes in her feet for mounting on a pedestal and copper tubing in the legs. She is marked JAPAN on the bottom of her right foot. On the back she is marked Barbie TM Pats. Pend. Copyright MCMVIII. Find one of these in good shape and you have a collectors dream which they will pay quite a bit of money for. The exact value depends very much on condition and completeness. Damage or missing parts will downgrade your doll severely. She is known as the #1 Ponytail Barbie.

The #2 Ponytail Barbie is identical to #1 with the exception that there are no holes in her feet and no copper tubing. The pedestal is made with extensions to hold her up. She is marked the same as #1.

The #3 Ponytail Barbie is identical to #2 except for blue irises and different eyebrows. This Barbie has either blue or brown eyeliner.

The #4 Ponytail Barbie is made from a type of plastic which does not fade and retains its original flesh color. She is made up with blue eyeliner.

The #5 Ponytail Barbie has a hollow plastic body rather than the solid body of earlier editions. The markings are similar but she is now marked R Pats. Pend. rather than TM Pats. Pend. A new hair color known as titian was introduced and dolls with this color hair are scarce and more valuable than the blonde or brunette. There was a problem with the plastic in some of these dolls which gives them a greasy appearance. If you find one with the original matte face it is more valuable than a “greasy” faced doll.

The #6 Ponytail Barbie has a different vinyl which does not become greasy with time. Her fingernails and lips are a pinkish red instead of the earlier bright red. She is dressed in a red swimsuit and red open toed shoes.

The #7 Barbie was made in several hair colors including ash blonde,lemon blonde,titian and brunette. Her nails and lips are orange red (coral). This changeover took place in the 1962-1963 period and the mark was changed to Midge TM copyright 1962/Barbie copyright 1958 by Mattel. The dolls with this new mark are referred to as the #7 Barbie usually,but some still call them #6. Dolls produced in 1962 before the changeover are scarce and more valuable than the new edition.

In valuing collectible Barbie dolls condition is the all important factor. A doll which is complete,not damaged and clean will fetch a premium price. If the doll is mint in the original packaging it is extremely desirable to collectors and will be priced accordingly. Dolls which have been restored or repainted are worth less than if left in the original faded condition.

Where can you buy old collectible Barbie dolls? Well just about anywhere if you know what to look for. Most people are totally unaware of what an old Barbie doll looks like or that it could be worth quite a bit of money. You can find them occasionally by searching garage sales,flea markets, and thrift or second hand stores. Take your magnifying glass along when you go treasure hunting so that you can read the markings on the dolls. Good luck.



Cheap Beach Holidays.

John Mowatt asked:


ork toy fair hosted the introduction of a phenomenon in 1959. This was when Barbie dolls were introduced to the world. They are still made at the present time and many millions have been sold all over the globe. Barbie doll collecting is a very popular hobby as a result and Mattel estimates that there are over 100,000 people who collect Barbie dolls. Most of these are female and

are on average 40 years old. They tend to buy about 20 barbie dolls each every year.

Barbie underwent many changes in appearance over the years. The first Barbie had a ponytail hairstyle and wore a zebra striped one piece swimsuit. She was copyright dated 1958 on the back and on the bottom of the right foot was marked Made In Japan. This is the rarest Barbie and if you locate one in really nice condition it is quite valuable.

Vintage Barbie dolls are considered by collectors to be those made between 1959 and 1972. Dolls made after this time are modern dolls in collectors terms. Mattel made special edition dolls in the later years which have their own collector following. To be a real collectors item these later Barbies must be in the original box and in mint condition. There were several series of these which were made in varying quantities.

The Pink Label collectible Barbies were made with no limit to the quantity. The Silver Label dolls were a limited edition of up to 50,000 and were distributed worldwide. Gold Label Barbie dolls were made in an edition of up to 25,000. The top tier is the Platinum Label dolls which were limited to 1000 dolls. These label edition dolls are much sought after by collectors. They must be in mint condition in the original box to have value as a collectors item.

Barbie doll collecting is popular in many countries around the world. Pre 1972 vintage Barbies are the most sought after and many are still to be found in garage sales,flea markets,thrift stores and such like places. Most people know nothing about vintage Barbie dolls or their values. As a result there are lots of them still out there waiting for the right collector to come along and find them. The thrill of the hunt can be almost obsessive and can get an avid collector out of bed to be an early bird at garage sales or flea markets. It’s all worth it when that early Barbie is purchased for a song and carried home triumphantly to join her sisters in a collection.



Gifts Under $5