Original Listing Description

Here is a sophisticated, very rare Brownette Bubblecut Barbie doll in her original box with original accessories! This is only the 2nd Brownette Bubble that I've ran across in over 32 years of collecting! I believe these dolls were an experimental early version Bubblecut, and Mattel abandoned this pretty sable mink hair color early on in their production. Maybe it was hard to consistently get this color hair material, or perhaps it was more a marketing decision by Mattel; but regardless these dolls are rare and elegant! This doll has her early version Bubblecut box which is unmarked for hair color, her original zebra striped swimsuit, black Japan mules, fashion booklet, and black wire stand. Though I've pictured her in a OOAK fur coat and Golden Girl sheath with brown mules, those items aren't included in this sale, as they are from my personal collection. I never seen a box marked "Brownette" for hair color; I think Mattel put them all into unspecified early version Bubblecut boxes. This doll has had retouching on her brows and lips, and she looks quite lovely. She doesn't have any green ear stains, neck splits, or nose nips. I've collected vintage Barbie for 30+ years, and I scrutinize items I sell on eBay. If you have a question that my description hasn't answered, please ask me:) You may want to save me as a seller, as I'm selling a large vintage Barbie collection on eBay. This pretty girl has a light complexion that hasn't darkened from smoke or molds. She doesn't have any bad odors. Her medium size bubble has nice firm waves and curls, and it doesn't feel like it was combed out. The hair is in nice condition, and has a nice shine. Barbie's face doesn't look shiny or greasy. She has retouched fire engine red lips and dark eyebrows. She has some original smokey gray eyeshadow. She doesn't have any nose nips, neck splits, or any green ear stains. I've given her pearl on filament earrings, so there is no danger of her getting any staining. Barbie has an early hollow body marked Barbie MCMLVIII Japan on her right butt cheek. Her arms and legs are tight and hold all poses. Her body shows a heavier vinyl in her legs, that is faintly around the thighs and not perfectly smooth, much like the vinyl of #4 Barbies' bodies. This fits with my belief that Brownettes were an early version of Bubblecuts. She has all of her nail polish and no stains or poke marks. Her arms are a shade darker than the rest of her body, with her left arm being a little darker than the right arm, see pics #13-15. I do notice a small dark dot on the back of her left lower arm, see pic #15. Her legs are very slightly pigeon-toed. Her black and white zebra striped swimsuit is in Excellent shape with no holes or tears; there's a faint hint of soil on the left breast (left in the pics), and a little bit of the left leg edge stitching has come undone. The elastic at the suit top still is good. Her black mules are marked Japan on the bottom of 1 shoe, and don't have any splits. The black wire stand is straight with good welds, and no corrosion. The blue Barbie, Ken, and Midge booklet is in Near Mint shape with no writing or tears.The original early version Bubblecut box displays well; the front and side graphics display well, though there is a water stain on the lid's lower right corner, see pics #2, #17-20. Pic #2 overexposes the graphics somewhat; pic #17 shows the front of the box better. The sides of the lid aren't perfectly straight, and bow out a little bit. The bottom short end of the lid says "Stock No. 850 Bubble Cut", and there is a paper peel where the price tag was removed. The lid's top left corner split has been repaired, and the lid's lower right corner had a partial 1" tear that has been glued. The box's bottom has 3 repaired corners and a replaced liner. You will treasure seeing this rare Brownette Bubblecut Barbie in your vintage Barbie collection! Please see my other auctions for more vintage Barbie and Francie doll and clothing lots, and for other vintage toys from the 50's - 70's. I'm happy to combine shipping charges for multiple purchases. (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.