Display issues and fixes - vintage Barbie!

Vintage Barbie shelf, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I thought I'd share a photo of my doll display today, featuring my vintage Barbies. I use the Billy bookcase system from IKEA.

A fellow doll collector, Mario, suggested I use more of the space of the shelf with a riser of some sort, and I think his suggestion was fantastic. (I have to confess, I want all their stands to match now.)

I had my dear hubby cut a few of the extra shelves in half lengthwise (to half the depth of the shelf), and then use extra pieces to make 4" blocks for the new shelf to stand on. They match perfectly, since you can use the outside of the shelf.

Of course, a spice rack or wood block would work, too. And you might consider draping it in fabric or covering it with decorative paper, or just paint for some pizazz.

Now, my vintage girls have much more elbow room. For the curious, here's who is in this display. In the top row:

• 1965 blonde Swirl in #1660 Evening Gala
• 1694 Miss Barbie in Red Flare #939 and Silken Flame #977
• 1963 Fashion Queen in #987 Orange Blossom
• 1963 Bubble Cut in #947 Bride's Dream
• 1965 American Girl (blonde) in #1647 Golden Glamour
• 1966 Lemon Color Magic in #1635 Fashion Editor
• Walking Jamie (Sears exclusive)
• 1963 Midge in #983 Enchanted Evening

In the front row:

• #3 blond ponytail in #969 Suburban Shopper
• #4 blond ponytail in #1646 Magnificence
• #5 brunette ponytail in #1667 Benefit Performance
• 1968 Talking Julia in #1649 Lunch on the Terrace
• 1969 Marlo Flip TNT Barbie in #1456 Dreamy Blues
• 1970 Standard Barbie Ash blonde in #3404 Glowin' Out
• 1968 Talking PJ in her original outfit
• 1968 Talking Barbie in #1864 Close Ups

Items for sale at the DollPage Show & Sell site

If you aren't familiar with the DollPage, it's a great place to sale your dolls--for free!

I've started with my NRFB items, including some recent additions to my Steffie collection, due to a lack of space. I've also got a never-removed-from-box Monster High 5-doll set, which includes an exclusive Gloom Beach Ghoulia Yelps (in addition to Cleo, Draculaura, Clawdeen and Frankie) listed, as well as a Target exclusive Barbie Basic Model 03 from this year's Collection red.

For the eclectic collector in all of us, check out Birthday Party Barbie from 1998. She's also NRFB, and I swear, you won't find another doll like her. (In our house, we call her Blow Up Barbie.) She's kind of everything I love about dolls, all rolled into one.

But I realized recently that I don't really do well with NRFB items. And I'm in the process of rearranging my display space. I'll have more items listed later on. Thanks for looking!

Vintage Barbie knit top

This is Barbie's PAK knit top, available in 1963 in gold, blue, and multicolor stripes. There is a roll collar and a V back. This PAK also contained white sunglasses with blue lenses and a gold-tone charm bracelet. The striped version of this top was also issued in Barbie's Knit Separates in 1964 and a gold top in her 1964 Golden Evening fashion. These tops are great min-n-match separates and are very easy to find. Mint condition, loose, about $10.

Vintage Barbie PAK knit skirt

Barbie's full knit skirts were available as a PAK item in 1963 in blue, gold, and a striped pattern. The skirts are covered with gold glitter and tie in the back with snaps. A gold version was included in the 1964 ensemble Golden Evening. No accessories accompanied this PAK item. Near mint examples of these skirts can be found for about $20. Look for a skirt which retains some of it's original glitter.

Vintage Barbie PAK cardigan

Barbie's PAK cardigan was available on the market from 1962-1963 and was available in blue, black, white, and pink. The blue version is the same sweater found in Mood for Music. Earlier versions, which are harder to find have knit-in bands and later versions have sewn-in bands. When shopping for vintage Barbie sweaters, inspect them carefully for holes. It will be easier to get this sweater on Barbie if you cover her hands first with gloves or a small piece of  Saran Wrap. Near mint examples can be found for about $35.

Vintage Barbie fashion #991, Registered Nurse

This is Barbie's Registered Nurse fashion available from 1961-1964. It includes:

• white uniform with pin (often discolored to silver but was originally gold) and zippered back. There are four white buttons on the front.
• navy cape with red lining, one button with loop closure (this is the piece containing the Barbie tag)
• black glasses with clear lenses
• cardboard diploma
• hot water bottle
• medicine bottle
• metal spoon
• white open-toe shoes
• white nurse's hat with black stripe

Here's a tip for dressing your Barbie doll in this fashion: do not secure the hat with a metal pin. It will cause the vinyl to turn green. Instead, use museum putty to keep the cap in place. Current market value for this career fashion near mint and complete is about $125.

Vintage Barbie fashion #987, Orange Blossom

Barbie's Orange Blossom fashion was on the market from 1961-1964. It includes:

• sleeveless yellow cotton sheath with zipper (this is the piece containing the Barbie tag)
• white lace overdress
• yellow tulle hat (same style as the one from Gay Parisienne which was navy blue)
• bouquet with yellow and white ribbon streamers
• short white tricot gloves in the '61 and '62 version, long white gloves in the '63 and '64 version
• white open-toe shoes

This fashion is easy and affordable to collect. It is often seen displayed on a Midge doll (always a bridesmaid and never a bride), but looks great on Barbie, too. Current market value in near mint and complete condition is about $75-$95.