looking for help with Ponytail Barbie identification
Posted by tintin on March 20, 2024, 3:06 pm
Hi, I wondered if there was someone here who is knowledgable on the early Barbie Ponytail dolls and could help with identification?
I live in the UK and a friend has recently found a ponytail in her grandmothers attic and offered her to me to buy. i'm 100% sure she is original but I'm struggling to identify what number she is although I'm sure it will be either a #3 or #4.
I've read all the info I can find online and I'm happy with the body markings (Barbie TM) but the definition of "a solid body" has me confused.
I own lots of later vintage Barbie dolls and would describe their bodies as hollow and made of a rigid hard plastic. This body is definitely different.
I never really thought about it but alwasy presumed a 'solid' body was just that, a lump of solid plastic, but I don't think this body is. I removed one arm and once past the 'hole' that the joint fits into it is solid but the body can actually be squashed very slightly if you squeeze hard enough.
Can anyone confirm if this is normal?
Also I've noticed a couple of things about the body that are different to my others (but not mentioned anywhere on line) that I thought somoene might recognise. Firstly her breasts have a distinct 'point' to them and the other thing I noticed is theres a very slight circular mark on the front of her chest like, perhaps from a mold?
The doll was found packed with a stand that has a round base, sunglasses, one black shoe and pearl studs.
The doll is in very good condition and still has all her finger and toenail polish, probably because no one has touched her in such a long time, but she was quite dirty so I gave her a gently wash as I didn't want my frient doing it and causing any damage....and what a difference! The only problem now are her legs are stained (not from smoking) and it looks like she is wearing tan stockings! so I don't know if anyone has any ideas on treating this?
Oh, I tried the 'sniff test' (crayon) but I can't tell.
I've attached a couple of photos. the first is a 'before' shot my friend took.
Barbies 1 through 4 have solid bodies, but number 4s have a slightly softer rubbery feel to them. Mattel changed the vinyl formula after the number 3 for some reason (allegedly to prevent the fading common in 1s, 2s and 3s). Your doll doesn't appear to be faded, 4s usually maintain a much more even color overall than 1-3s. The slightly pointed breast shape is also a feature of the solid (1-4) body, as is the cylindrical-shape neck knob. Also, 1-3 have a very distinct smell (crayon/wax, again different material from any later dolls). I hope this helps. She looks like a great doll!
Re: hi >>
Posted by tintin on March 21, 2024, 3:43 pm, in reply to "hi >>"
Thank you so much Gary for your very helpful information.
I think the reason I was so confused is because these characteristics appear to be very distinct yet nowhere are they mentioned on any of the websites that tell you what to look out for when determining which doll you have.
I had already decided to buy this doll because, like you said, she is such a great example. I just need to see if I can find a safe way to lighten her legs, although I may just put her in an outfit that covers them or even one that has tan stockings.
Thank you again for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.