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Caring for Your Collection
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 would be able to do about that?
A. I have never tried this, but I understand that if you wrap a doll in white tissue (or put her in a clean paper bag) and bury her in clean, new cat litter, this will absorb the smell.
Another trick I heard was putting the doll in a bag along with some clothes dryer sheets (like those 'Bounce' dryer sheets that make the clothes smell nice).
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 regret that I may be unable to personally answer your how-to restoration
emails.
Please note that I have limited experience with non-Mattel fashion dolls, modern
Mattel fashion dolls (anything newer than 1970 or not made in Japan), or any
other types of dolls.
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