Your Barbie by
Year
Your Questions Answered
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Caring for Your Collection
(Photo used with permission from
'Paintings that
Fly')
Q. How should I display my vintage dolls?
A. It is important that the dolls and clothing remain out of direct sunlight and away from dust as much as possible.
I like to make sure that my dolls' feet are elevated slightly so that no pressure is on
them (which can cause the legs to bow). I open the cases and dust my dolls regularly
with a soft brush, and I vacuum the dust from the shelves, etc.
Many people prefer to keep their dolls packed away in acid free tissue paper or
specially made Barbie display boxes. If you have any Fashion Queen or
other dolls that wear wigs, it is best not to store or display the wigs on
either the heads or the wig stand without a piece of white tissue paper in
between them.
Also, another good idea is to tint your home's windows or have the glass tinted on your display cases.
Q. How should I store vintage clothing?
A. Vintage outfits, when not on the dolls, should be carefully stored for their
protection.
I store my outfits in acid-free comic book holders (cardboard backing inserted into
the clear plastic envelopes) or wrapped inside acid-free tissue paper. I then keep
everything in large plastic, air-tight containers so that no moths or
other bugs can get inside.
Also, be sure to use only all-white (preferably acid-free) tissue
paper if you wrap any items, including the dolls.
To prevent shoes from splitting, I never put vintage shoes on the dolls.
I display the shoes next to the dolls' feet or I use reproduction shoes.
This also prevents the dolls from acquiring 'shoe stains' on their feet.
Q. How can I get the wrinkles out of the
vintage doll clothes
that have been packed away for years?
A. For ALL questions regarding the care of the vintage clothing I recommend
consulting a good dry cleaner in your area. Many of these fine, delicate fabrics are
not color-fast and are very fragile. I personally do not feel comfortable
cleaning or ironing the majority of the doll clothing in my collection.
In the past I have steamed the sturdier (single color) cotton items over a
steaming tea kettle, however I again recommend consulting a dry cleaner with any
clothing questions or concerns.
Q. I am interested in vinyl accessories, especially cases. Any advice
as to where I can find out information on what cases were produced, in what colors and
what years? Also, what is the best way to clean and maintain the vinyl cases?
A. Connie Kaplan, wrote a book on vintage vinyl's regarding cases/trunks; Collector's
Guide to Barbie® Doll Vinyl Cases.
This alone is a great source of info. with lots of photos of cases/trunks. Regarding
cleaning: I have found that BAM (by Easy-Off), Orange Clean or Formula 911 cleaner
are great for cleaning the vintage vinyl cases.
Q. What is the meaning of TM version that is listed on some vintage outfits? Are they
worth less?
A. TM version vintage outfits are worth more if they are Barbie's outfits (not Ken's).
These are the first versions, before they were 'registered' (i.e. marked with an ® instead
of a TM).
Q. I found a doll that I am very
interested in, but they said that she was stored in moth balls and has a very
strong odor. She is otherwise perfect. Is there anything you can recommend that
removes strong odors from the clothing and dolls?
A. You may want to wrap your doll in some un-used dryer sheets (the type one
adds to the dryer to remove static clean and make the clothes smell fresh).
I have used these sheets inside and around older Louis Vuitton handbags with
great results. The dryer sheets even removed tobacco smell. Another idea (which
I have never tried) is to wrap the doll in white tissue (or put her in a clean
paper bag) and bury her in clean, new cat litter. This may also absorb the smell.
Barbie (and Friends) by Year -- Information and photos that will assist you in identifying your Vintage/Mod Barbies and friends
Identification Help -- Common questions I receive about the dolls and how to identify them
Hair - General information about cleaning, re-flocking and re-rooting
Bodies - General information about cleaning and repairing
Faces - General information about caring for the faces, green ear treatment, neck split repair, and re-coloring Mod dolls
The general information
I have chosen to include on these pages is here as a courtesy
to collectors of Vintage and Mod Barbies® and friends.
I am
unable to answer your 'how-to' restoration emails, nor do I provide further step
by step instruction.
This Web site is for your personal and non-commercial use only. You may copy
information on this Web site for your own personal use, however other than copying for
personal use, you may not copy, modify, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce,
publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information obtained
from this Web site.
Every reasonable effort has been taken by me to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained within this entire web site. However, I take no responsibility for any losses,
injury or detriment whatsoever, real or implied, arising from the information and/or
references contained within this entire site.
Before continuing any further, please
carefully read my disclaimer page.
Please note that
I have limited (or no) experience with non-Mattel fashion dolls, modern Mattel fashion
dolls (anything newer than 1970 and/ or not made in Japan), or any other
types of dolls.
**I do not identify
dolls via email, nor can I verify authenticity, unless
I see the doll in person. I do offer this as a paid service. Please email
me if you would like to send your doll or collection for a written appraisal.
An appraisal fee + return shipping costs will apply.**
