Doll collectors!

[Deb in IA]

Any one know how much a mint condition, still-in-the-box 1962 Barbie would be worth?

 

[crushandgush]

Any one know how much a mint condition, still-in-the-box 1962 Barbie would be worth?

im guessing alot of money

 

[WDWguru]

It depends greatly on a lot of factors. The year doesn't tell me much except that it's probably a later ponytail edition (there were six different versions that all look like the original 1959 #1). Condition will have a lot to do with it as well. The box will certainly help. A mint #1 can go for about $5,000, but a ratty #6 would be hard pressed to get $100. Most ponytails with the box in decent shape will go for a couple hundred dollars, depending on the market. Your best price will come via a vintage dealer.

E-mail Sandi Holder via www.dollattic.com (sandiholder@dollattic.com) She's one of the best vintage dealers out there - I used to do the catalog for her site. She'll no doubt have some specific questions to narrow down which exact doll it is and determine condition, but she can give you a really good idea. She'll probably even offer to buy it from you if you're interested. She's a great restorationist and would give you a fair price.

 

[Deb in IA]

Thanks for the info!!

I'll go home and check the specifics (model no, etc) . . .

Oh, and no ponytail . . . she's got one of those bouffant hairstyles . . .

 

[WDWguru]

Ahhh, a bubblecut, then. Sorry to say, that means she's probably worth a little less, depending on the hair color. If she's a redhead ("titian" in Mattel speak) she'll be more desirable. Sandi has a couple on her site with the boxes listed for $300-$350, which is probably about the top of the range you could expect to get. I have a brunette myself that I love, but they're just not as desirable as the ponytails.

I'm curious if you've had this doll or just ran across it? I love a good vintage find story.

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

What is she wearing?

 

[WDWguru]

If it's original in the box, she'd have come dressed in a red, one-piece swimsuit. If she has other clothing on, that clothing will have value on its own. Some vintage clothing can be worth more than some of the dolls!

 

[Beauty]

You got my attention, LOL

Unfortunately though I don't collect Barbies.

 

[janette]

I have an aunt that has been a doll collector / dealer for many years. She'd also be able to answer your questions. She did shows for several years but only a few now and sells mostly on ebay. Part of her expertise is in the clothes, as wdwguru mentioned some of the clothes and accessories are very valuable. I could send her a picture of it if you have one or a more through description.

 

[Deb in IA]

If it's original in the box, she'd have come dressed in a red, one-piece swimsuit. If she has other clothing on, that clothing will have value on its own. Some vintage clothing can be worth more than some of the dolls!

YES!!! One-piece red swimsuit. I do, however, have some outfits in their original packaging.

Her hair is kind of brownish-red . . . could it have faded?

Oh, and how I came across it:

Someone gave it to me when I was a child. I never really played with it, and it got shoved into my closet, where it remained until we moved. We kept her in a drawer until my parents cleaned out their house, and asked me to take her. By then, I knew that she was worth something, but didn't know how much or how to find out. I knew someone here would have some ideas!!!

 

[Deb in IA]

WDWguru, I looked on the site you posted, and my doll looks like one that is listed for $350.


Not bad, but not the $1000's I was hoping . . .


I'll hold onto Barbie for a while, maybe pass her on to my daughter as a collector's item. Wasn't really looking to sell. I was just curious as to her worth these days . . .

 

[missypie]

I have my sister's 1962 Barbie-platinum blonde, with the bubble cut. Unfortunately, when mini-skirts became stylish, Barbie's dress was shortened....

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

WDWguru - that was a great link to the doll site.

You wouldn't happen to know anyone who does - china doll restoration?

I have two small dolls that need their arms and legs restrung.

Thanks

(sorry about the hi-jack)

 

[WDWguru]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with china doll repair, but you might google "doll hospital" and I bet you find something there.

OP - what a great story! I definitely think you should keep the doll and pass it along to your daughter someday. Since it was yours and it was kept all this time, it has far more value to you and your family than some random collector.

The clothing has really got me curious! It's not often you find clothing or accessories in their packaging. I would definitely email Sandi with what you have there. Some of the very early outfits are quite rare and go for a lot of money. And to answer your question about the hair - I'm sure it's originally brunette and has not faded from red. The red is a very distinctive strawberry color and you would know it instantly.

missypie - I love the Platinum bubblecuts! I bet she's gorgeous!