I have the 1960 ponytail barbie and bubble cut barbie. I have my Ken doll, skipper and a doll thats 12 inches and her ponytail grows. I don't remember her name. She still has her red dress on. I have a doll box with all of my old babies in it. I am 53 now and still love my dolls. My grand children love to look at them.
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Mattel manufactured the first Barbie Doll in 1959. She was 11 1/2 inches tall and was designed with the very distinctive shapely body. The very early Barbies are highly collectible and command unbelievably high prices! Characteristics of the #1 Barbie (1959) are: vinyl solid body, very light complexion, white irises, pointed eyebrows, gold hoop earrings, soft ponytail, holes in her feet to fit the doll stand and a black and white striped bathing suit. #2 Barbie (1959-1960 only made for 3 months): same as above, but with no holes in feet and some wore little pearl earrings. #3 Barbie (1960): same as above, but with blue irises and softly curved eyebrows and no holes in feet. #4 Barbie (1960): same as #3 but with solid body of flesh-colored vinyl. #5 Barbie (1961): same as #4, but ponytail is a firmer Saran material. The marks on the butt indicate how early a ponytail Barbie is also. The very early bodies are marked with "TM" after the word "Barbie" while the later bodies are marked "R" after the word "Barbie". Does anyone know if the braided ponytail on the doll pictured is the way she came from the factory? It looks too perfect to have been done by its original owner! I would love to know for sure!!