Barbie and Friends ID Guide
This identification guide is intended to be used as a QUICK REFERENCE guide only. It includes a sampling of the many Barbie and family dolls made by Mattel before 1976. The photographs include close up head shots, so you may identify WHO your doll is and approximately what year she was manufactured.
In most cases, the doll name, hair colors, eye color, original outfit and country of manufacture are given. I did not include all of the markings available on each doll, since the year on the back of the doll is the date of patent/copyright registration, NOT the year of manufacture. This is the most confusing issue to anyone trying to identify the year their doll was made. The following is a list of countries in which dolls were typically manufactured for those years:
1959-1972 JAPAN
1968-1970, 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
Anyone wishing more detailed information on a particular doll should refer to the following books available in most book stores: Barbie Dolls and Collectibles, By Sibyl Dewein and Joan Ashabraner or The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book, by Marcie Melillo.I will be happy to assist you with any further questions you may have regarding your vintage dolls, clothes or accessories. I am always interested in purchasing vintage collections of any size and may be contacted by email at: dolls4play@yahoo.com. You may also choose to send photographs of your collection or if desired may send the collection on approval for a firm quote, to the following address:
- Denise Davidson
7321 Seymour Rd.
Owosso, MI 48867
Contents:
1959 Barbie (#1)
Click here to view picture. Another picture.
Brunette or Blonde Ponytail
White Irises, Pointed eyebrows, Round holes in feet with metal cylinders for posing stand, red lips,black & white striped swimsuit, solid vinyl body, body often fades to white.
Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1959 Barbie (#2)
Brunette or Blonde Ponytail
White Irises, Pointed Eyebrows, no longer has holes in feet, red lips, black & white striped swimsuit, solid vinyl body, body often fades to white.
Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1960 Barbie (#3)
Brunette or Blonde Ponytail
Blue irises, curved eyebrows, most have brown/rose eyeliner & some have blue eyeliner, red lips, black & white striped swimsuit, solid vinyl body, body often fades to white.
Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back
1960 Barbie (#4)
Brunette or Blonde Ponytail
Face paint same as #3 issue, solid vinyl body now retains tan color, black & white striped swimsuit.
Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1961 Barbie (#5)
Brunette, Blonde or Red Ponytail
Some dolls have firmer textured bangs than rest of hair, red lips, hollow hard plastic torso body, Black & White striped swimsuit.
Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1962 Barbie
Brunette, Blonde or Red Ponytail
1962, 1963, 1964 Ponytails have firmer bangs and saran hair, lips colors vary from pale pink to bright red, red one piece swimsuit.
1962 Includes Roman Numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1963 & 1964 have Midge 1962/Barbie 1958 markings on hip of lower back.
1961 Bubblecut Barbie
Brunette, Blonde, or Titian(redhead) Bubblecut
1961 & 1962 includes roman numeral markings on hip of lower back.
1963 & 1964 have Midge 1962/Barbie 1958 markings on hip of lower back.
Bubblecuts are all similar with only facial differences being lip colors, Black & white striped or red one piece swimsuits.
1963 Fashion Queen Barbie
Molded painted head, blue cellophane band on head, 3 wigs on wig stand, one piece gold and white striped swimsuit and head scarf.
Includes Midge 1962/Barbie 1958 markings on hip of lower back.
1963 Fashion Queen Barbie
Fashion Queen showing molded head with blue band.
1964 Swirl Ponytail Barbie
Brunette, Blonde or Titian(redhead) ponytail
Side swept ponytail held by orange ribbon, red one piece swimsuit.
Includes Midge 1962/Barbie 1958 markings on hip of lower back.
1964 Miss Barbie
FIRST Bend knee doll, open and close eyes, molded painted head with orange band, 3 wigs on wigstand, one piece pink/glitter swimsuit and cap.
1958 Mattel, Inc. US Patented US Pat Pend.
1965 Bendable Leg Barbie(American Girl)
Brunette, Blonde, or Redhead
1965, 1966, 1967 all similar with variations in hair colors, hair length, & lips colors, one piece multicolor striped top and solid teal bottom.
1958 Mattel, Inc. US Patented US Pat Pend, later issues Made in Japan.
1966 Color Magic Barbie
Midnight or Golden Blonde long straight hair
1966, 1967, bendable legs, hair and suit were color changeable, one piece harlequin checked swimsuit and headband. Made in Japan
1967 Twist n Turn Barbie
Variations of Blonde, Brunette, Red hair
1967, 1968, bendable legs, twist waist, rooted eyelashes, long straight hair with two strips of hair pulled up together on top of head and tied with orange ribbon, bangs, 2 piece orange bikini with white mesh over-suit. Made in Japan
1967 Barbie Standard
1967,1968,1969,1970,1971, straight leg, non twist waist, painted eyelashes, long straight hair with two strips of hair pulled up on top of head and tied with orange ribbon, variations of hair color, two piece pink swimsuit, later years different swimsuit. Made in Japan
1967 Barbie Hair Fair
Brunette or Blonde Head
1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, (1972-74 available through catalogs), Head with short rooted hair, wig in 3 colors, wiglet, fall, crownette, earrings, barrettes.
1968 Talking Barbie
1968, 1969, (1970, 1971, 1972 different hairdo/curls on nape of neck).
1968, 1969 & 1970 Made in Mexico
1971 & 1972 Made in Hong Kong
Bendable legs, rooted eyelashes, twist ponytail to side, variety of swimsuits & cover-ups, variety of hair colors, pullstring in back of torso for talker, bendable legs.
1969 Twist Barbie
1969, 1970, 1971 bendable legs, twist waist, variety of hair colors in long flip with forehead spitcurl, rooted eyelashes, variety of swimsuits. Made in Japan
1970 Living Barbie
Blonde, Brunette, or Titian(red) Medium long straight hair with bangs.
1970 Made in Taiwan & Japan, 1971 & 1972 Made in Taiwan, rooted eyelashes, bend knees, elbows & ankles, swivel waist, neck, arms, hands and legs, gold & silver swimsuit with orange net hooded cover-up.
1971 Live Action Barbie
Blonde long straight loose page boy, parted near center.
1971 & 1972, rooted eyelashes, bend knees ankles and elbows, swivel waist, neck arms and legs, purple tied dyed pants, blouse, brown suede fringe accents. Made in Taiwan
1971 Malibu Barbie
Blonde long straight hair parted near center.
1971 & 1972 Made in Japan
1973 Made in Taiwan
1974 Made in Taiwan & Korea
1975 & 1976 Made in Korea
Bendable legs, twist waist, suntan skin tone, painted lashes, various swimsuits through the years.
1971 Barbie Growin' Pretty Hair
1971, 1972(different hairdo), blonde upswept hair, small hanging curl at each ear, loose curl around face, has piece of hair that "grows", 2 extra hairpieces & accessories, rooted eyelashes, bendable legs, pink satin party dress & shoes, later version had different outfit. Made in Taiwan
1972 Walk Lively Barbie
Blonde long hair parted near center.
1972, 1973, rooted eyelashes, special walking body and turning head construction, red tricot pants and top, shoes. Made in Taiwan
1972 Walk Lively Miss America
Brunette medium length hair with end curls, made from the Steffie head mold, walking construction, rooted eyelashes, evening dress of gold lame bodice with white nylon skirt, silver lace crown, red cape with ermine trim, Miss America sash, shoes, bouquet. Made in Taiwan
There was another variation of Miss America in 1973 which was a bendable leg twist waist doll, brunette quick curl hair, same outfit as 1972 Miss America. This doll was produced in 1974 with blonde quick curl hair also. Made in Taiwan
1972 Talking Busy Barbie
1972, 1973, Blonde short feather cut hairdo. Movable thumb will grasp and hold items, twist waist, bendable legs & elbows, rooted eyelashes, pullstring in back torso for talker, blue satin hot pants with attached bib and red shirt, hat, green boots. Made in Hong Kong
1973 Quick Curl Barbie
1973, 1974, 1975, Blonde medium length hair that could be styled with curler, painted lashes, twist waist, bend knees, long pink & white checked dress with sheer white sleeves, black ribbon trim, shoes. Made in Taiwan
1974 Sweet 16 Barbie
1974, 1975, blonde shag hairdo, twist waist, bendable legs, painted eyelashes, long pink & white pin dotted dress, shoes, accessories. Made in Taiwan
1975 Free Moving Barbie
Blonde long hair with red bow tied on side, painted lashes, tab in back torso to allow "free movement", bendable knees, one piece white playsuit with red mid section, long red & white print skirt, tennis shoes, sporting equipment. Made in Taiwan
1963 Midge
Blonde, Brunette or Red flip with bangs hairdo.
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, straight legs, freckles, two piece swimsuit color coordinated depending on hair color.
Midge 1962/Barbie 1958 markings on hip of lower back.
1965 Midge Wig Wardrobe
1965 molded head with painted red hair, freckles, orange cellophane band, 3 wigs and stand.
1965 Bendable Legs Midge
Blonde, Titian(red), or Brownette short casual hairdo with blue satin band.
1965, 1966, freckles, bendable legs, multi color one piece crocheted swimsuit. First issue has no country of manufacture on body but was made in USA, second issue Made in Japan
1966 Francie
1966, 1967, blonde or brunette long hair with bangs, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, one piece swimsuit(2 variations), bendable legs. Made in Japan
1966 Francie Straight leg
1966, 1967, 1968, Blonde or brunette long straight hair with bangs, painted eyelashes, brown eyes, straight legs, 2 piece red & white swimsuit. Made in Japan
1967 Francie Twist Waist
1967, 1968, Blonde or Brunette long hair with slight flip, bangs, brown eyes, rooted eyelashes, bend knees, twist waist, one piece swimsuit of pink bottom, striped top. Made in Japan
1967 Black Francie
1967, 1968, long straight dark brown hair(1st issue turns red), twist waist, bendable knees, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, bright colored print swimsuit with a sheer net waist. Made in Japan.
1969 Francie
1969, 1970, blonde or brunette short flip hairdo with ribbon hair band, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, twist waist, bendable legs, two different styles of swimsuits. Made in Japan
1970 Hair Happenin's Francie
1970, 1971 blonde short hair with bangs, four extra hair pieces, twist waist, bendable legs, brown eyes, rooted eyelashes, blue mini dress. Made in Japan
1970 Francie Growin Pretty Hair
1970, 1971, Blonde hair with section that lengthened or shortened, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, bendable legs, short pink satin and net dress. Made in Japan
1971 Malibu Francie
1971 & 1972 Made in Japan
1973, 1974 & 1975 Made in Korea
Blonde long straight hair parted on the right, blue eyes, twist waist, suntan skin tone, bendable legs, one piece swimsuit with rose waist and red bottom.
1971 Francie(No Bangs)
Brunette or Blonde long hair brushed straight back with long flip ends, orange band on hair, brown eyes, rooted eyelashes, bendable legs, twist waist, orange pleated mini dress with white trim. Made in Japan
1973 Francie Quick Curl
1973, 1974 long brunette quick curl hair, painted eyelashes, brown eyes, twist waist, bendable legs, yellow & white pin dotted dress. Made in Taiwan
1967 Twiggy
1967, 1968 blonde short hair, rooted eyelashes, heavy painted lower lashes and makeup, rooted upper eyelashes, blue eyes, twist waist, bendable legs, yellow striped mini dress, boots. Made in Japan
1967 Casey
1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 Brunette, Blonde or Titian short hair parted on left, rooted eyelashes, molded teeth, wears triangular earring in left ear, bendable legs, twist waist, one piece gold & white swimsuit. Made in Japan
1969 Talking Julia
Straight short dark brown hair, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, bendable knees, pull string in back torso for talker, gold & silver jumpsuit. Made in Mexico
1969 Twist Julia
1969, 1970, 1971, straight dark brown hair, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, twist waist, bendable legs, white nurses uniform & cap. Made in Japan.
1968 Twist Stacey
Blonde or Redhead long straight hair tied back into tail with red ribbon, spitcurls at ears and forehead, rooted eyelashes, blue eyes, molded teeth, bendable legs, twist waist, red one piece swimsuit. Made in Japan
1969 Twist Stacey
1969, 1970, Blonde or Redhead short hair curled up at ends, rooted eyelashes, blue eyes, molded teeth, bendable legs, twist waist, one piece swimsuit multi print, varied on later issues. Made in Japan
1969 Talking PJ
1969 & 1970 Made in Mexico
1971 & 1972 Made in Hong Kong
Blonde long straight hair parted in the center and tied into two pigtails, bangs, rooted eyelashes, bendable knees, pull string in torso back for talker, brown eyes, orange print mini dress.
NOTE: TWIST PJ 1970, 1971 uses same head on twist waist body, Made in Japan
1971 Live Action PJ
1971, 1972, 1973, long blonde hair parted on right with small section braided and tied off with beads, brown eyes, rooted eyelashes, bendable knees, ankles & elbows, swivel waist, neck arms and legs, one piece orange & gold suit, long fringed purple vest. Made in Taiwan
1972 Malibu PJ
1972 Made in Japan
1973 & 1974 Made in Taiwan/some in Korea
1975, 1976, 1977 & 1978 Made in Korea
Long blonde hair parted slightly to the left center and tied with beads into two pigtails, blue eyes encircled with orchid, painted eyelashes, suntan skin tone, bendable legs, twist waist, one piece lavender or green swimsuit.
1975 Free Moving PJ
Long blonde hair parted in center & tied into pigtails with green ribbons, brown eyes, painted eyelashes, tab in back torso to allow free moving, bendable legs, one piece white & green playsuit with long green print skirt, tennis shoes, sporting equipment. Made in Taiwan
1970 Twist Christie
1970, 1971, 1972, short dark brown curly hair parted on right side, brown skin tone, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, bendable knees, twist waist, one piece multi color swimsuit. Made in Japan
1973 Malibu Christie
1973 Made in Taiwan
1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 Made in Korea, some in Philippines
Long straight black hair parted in center, painted eyelashes, brown eyes, twist waist, bendable knees, one piece swimsuit in red or yellow.
1973 Quick Curl Kelley
1973, 1974, 1975, medium length red hair that could be styled with curler, brown eyes, painted eyelashes, bendable knees, twist waist, long dress in green & white check with sheer sleeves, black trim. Made in Taiwan
1974 Yellowstone Kelley
Long straight red hair parted in center, suntan skin tone, brown eyes, painted eyelashes, bendable knees, twist waist, blue & white striped shorts, white knee socks, tennis shoes, red & white dot shirt, camping accessories. Made in Taiwan
1970 Walking Jamie
1970, 1971, Blonde, brunette, or red hair of a medium length flip, parted on right side, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, bendable knees, plate on back torso causes arms & legs to move back & forth and head to turn, multi color mini dress, scarf in hair, boots. Made in Japan
1972 Walk Lively Steffie
1972, 1973, long brunette hair parted in center flipped up on ends, rooted eyelashes, brown eyes, walking body and turning head, one piece reddish print jumpsuit, scarf, shoes. Made in Taiwan
1972 Busy Steffie
1972, 1973, long brunette hair with small section from either side of face drawn back and tied behind head, blue eyes, painted eyelashes, twist waist, bendable knees & elbows, thumb to grasp and hold items, long dress made of solid green & two different prints, shoes. Made in USA, second issue Made in Hong Kong