Hi :)

I really hope this quick guide will help some people!

I am a bit concerned about the amount of Barbie dolls listed on ebay as *VINTAGE 1966*..........If you look to the RIGHT ->>>> of this page Im sure you will see what I mean....there are ususally a few here listed as 1966 Vintage....

Any Barbie doll that looks like a modern Barbie, IS NOT vintage! Even if it says *1966* on the body! Its just the patented date/body mould date. If she has plastic bright earrings, you can be certain she is NOT 1966!

Skipper 1995 ish with the Pizza Head Mould

I myself have just bought a *vintage* Skipper doll from 1967, (on her back) only to find 1984 on her head! This applies to ALL Barbies relatives (except the newer ones introduced ie. Stacie). If the seller is stating that its 1950/60/70 something, make sure they check OTHER parts too! Sometimes its on the neck, inside the neck, or in the groin area. Sometimes the writing is so small a magnifying glass is needed, but if its REAL, it will be there, somewhere.

Although the Skipper I bought is a nice doll, she doesnt fit into my *Vintage Barbie* collection and so was a waste of money!! And just a footnote, Skipper dolls dont go for much UNLESS boxed! There is a collectable Skipper from about 1995, whose head is known as the Pizza Face/Head (she has a Pizza hut t-shirt on). She is by far the prettiest Skipper, and the last babyfaced Skipper before she *grew Up*.

Mattel date Barbie on their heads and their backs.

Heres a quick ref:-

1959~1972  JAPAN ~~~~~~Now these dolls ARE Vintage! If you are going to bid on one, make sure you can see a photo of her back, with the date/country on it. A lot of sellers DONT put this picture on, some just dont think to do so. These dolls can sell at £50 upwards, depending on the condition.  I have seen one in the US sell Mint In Box for £1700 recently.

1968-1970 and  1989-1990  MEXICO

1970 ~ 1987 HONG KONG

1970 ~ 1987  TAIWAN

1973 ~ 1978  KOREA

1978 ~ 1988  PHILIPPINES

1986 to present  CHINA

1986 to present  MALAYSIA

1992 to present  INDONESIA

Other dolls are 10 a penny, so DONT bid high on them just because it says VINTAGE 1966 Barbie!!!

If in doubt, check the web, theres a HUGE source of accurate detailed information on Barbie and many many other dolls.

Happy ebaying :)