Original Listing Description

Vintage First Issue Barbie Mix-N-Match Gift Set #857 (1960) Blonde #4 Barbie Complete Set This debut 1960 release of the #857 Mix-N-Match Gift Set includes the 850 blonde ponytail #4 Barbie doll with everything Barbie needs to make 70 different combinations of fabulous outfits. The Mix-N-Match Gift Set debuted in 1960 and was re-issued in 1962. Mattel swooned us in1960, releasing three incredible sets that year! They were the #856 Party Set, #857 Mix ‘n Match set, and the #858 Barbie Trousseau set (which was a double set). In 1960 and 1962 the outfits and partial outfits included in the #857 gift set are all from the 900 series ensembles: #919 Undergarments (bra, panties + slip I added), #963 Resort Set (jacket, shorts, t-shirt, hat) #976 Sweater Girl (orange sweater top, matching cardigan sweater, gray flannel skirt), #975 Winter Holiday (faux leather coat, striped hooded T-shirt, black knit pants,travel bag), #981 Busy Gal (red and white blouse), and #967 Picnic Set (jeans, red checked shirt). In 1963 a #861 Barbie Mix ‘n Match Gift Set was released with a Bubble Cut Barbie doll. Accessories in the original gift set were pearl stud earrings or gold hoop earrings (mine are faux diamond studs), sunglasses, crystal necklace (mine is faux bead), black wire stand, black open-toe heels and pink booklet with her picture on the front. The accessories are in the box with Barbie, see pics. That Barbie booklet is fragile, reads "Printed in Japan" on the back cover, and was the only one I had! It's the early one that has only Barbie's picture on the front cover. I have secured the outfit pieces in place on the original display cardboard. The outfits are all original with vintage labels intact, nice condition with no worn out elastic pieces. A few items did not have a label but are well recognized as Barbie original pieces. Her black heels are original although my pictures of her shoes failed to capture a readable "Japan" stamp. The Barbie I chose is the best one I have, not perfect but still so pretty with a solid good tight jointed body. She is secured in the center display box and I added a soft lining for her so her face does not rub against the wire stand. Her hair is secured to hold her ponytail close to her neck. The small marks on her back did not come off, but likely there is a way to remove what looks like ink or marker. Her butt marking is almost unreadable so I went thru a few steps to enhance the detail, see pics. I took tons of pictures of this Gift Set and worked very carefully to re-create the original as best I could. After all, it's a part of vintage Barbie doll history. The box itself, which doubles as a display box, has stood the test of time, it's not perfect but realistically, for it's age, it's quite remarkable. The outfits are the best of what I have. Everyone knows the orange sweater set always has holes in it. Please zoom in on all of the pieces. My orange sweater set is nice with a few flaws, not perfect, but the best of what I had. I sewed snaps back on a few pieces. I tied the pieces in place on the original cardboard and replaced the clear plastic. As mentioned above, the original box is not perfect and has minor wear but quite remarkable given its age. It is in very good condition, no rips or tears, see pics and zoom in. If you need perfect, please don't buy. Please review the description and pictures and ask any questions before making a decision to purchase. NO RETURNS. Shipping in USA only, normally by USPS, but due to weight, size or distance, may have to ship by UPS or Fedex. The ship price includes the extra insurance this item will need. Thank you for looking at my auction. (Condition: Pre-Owned)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Barbie collectors and appraisers.