| Today, vintage Barbie has become a sought-after | | | | keen eye when looking for one. Look for noticeable |
| collector's item because of the detailed quality each | | | | neck splits and other possible body splits, hair that |
| doll possesses. | | | | has been cut or torn, missing plugs, lip chips, changed |
| If you are one of those who are fond of collecting | | | | or faded color of cheeks, rubbed off texture, ears |
| vintage Barbie or who is starting to collect vintage | | | | and faces that are greenish due to chemical reactions |
| Barbie, its now time to familiarize yourself with | | | | between plastic and metal earrings. |
| information and details about collecting vintage Barbie | | | | (TIP: Make sure that all of the vintage Barbie fingers |
| before hitting various flea markets and antique | | | | and the toes are intact, and that these have even |
| stores, shops and malls. | | | | color. Also double check if are any visible marks, |
| 1. It's all about the date. In looking or buying for a | | | | stains, scratches or even gouges.) |
| vintage Barbie, make sure that you take the time off | | | | 3. Look for valuable vintage Barbie pieces that have |
| to check out the date it has been copyrighted. The | | | | metal tubes. According to vintage Barbie collectors, |
| "date" usually refers to exact year Mattel-the maker | | | | the no. 1 Barbies are great finds and rare because |
| of original Barbie dolls-copyrighted the doll's body | | | | these are the only Barbie dolls that have metal tubes |
| style and not the year the doll was launched or | | | | in them that serves as a pronged stand. |
| made. | | | | 4. Pay attention to vintage Barbie accessories. Expert |
| Don't be confused in looking out for the date | | | | collectors say that valuable vintage Barbies are those |
| because this can determine the value of your vintage | | | | wearing outfits that have meticulous and detailed |
| Barbie. (TIP: Valuable vintage Barbie pieces are those | | | | linings. If you want to know the real value of vintage |
| marked with "1958" and those who bear the mark | | | | Barbie outfits, look for detailed and tiny accessories. |
| "Japan" found on the rear end or on the bottom of | | | | (TIP: The dolls and outfits that were never been |
| one of the doll's feet.) | | | | removed from their original cases and boxes are the |
| 2. Consider the vintage Barbie's overall condition. Since | | | | most expensive and most sought-after vintage |
| it is an item that continues to increase its value over | | | | Barbie items there are.) |
| the years, the overall condition of the vintage Barbie | | | | 5. Lastly, always look for the Barbie Trademark. |
| is one of the most important aspects that should be | | | | Aside from the doll's overall appearance and condition, |
| paid attention to when buying. | | | | take note of important facts like year of copyright, |
| Meticulous collectors believe that the condition of the | | | | present price of the original doll, and the those that |
| Barbie is also one of the major determinant's of its | | | | bear the Mattel, Inc. mark. |
| present and future value so it is a must to have a | | | | |