Barbie Print Jacket for Child
Summary: 68barbie started a discussion about identifying a Barbie Print Jacket for a child. kathiec responded, mentioning that, even though it doesn't seem like a Mattel-made piece due to the lack of tags, many licensed products existed in the 60s. kathiec also suggested that the item could have been made by a skilled seamstress, and provided several resources for identification, such as a specific book on Barbie licensed goods and Facebook groups related to vintage Barbie collectors. They also recommended reaching out to a dealer named Joe Blitman for assistance.
A friend of mine sent me a picture of a Barbie print jacket she's had since childhood (circa 1964). She said it doesn't have any tags (nor do any look to be missing) and doesn't remember if it could be handmade from print fabric available at the time or store bought. Any ideas where to look for comps? I hate that she's had it all these years and never told me about it- we could've taken it to Barbie convention in Louisville last year!
kathiec
·2 months ago@68barbie
It's not a Mattel-made piece or it would have a tag. But there were *so* many licensed products back in the 60s that it's almost impossible to keep track of them all. There's also the possibility this wasn't actually licensed by Mattel. They were much more lax in enforcing their trademarks back then. This doesn't look handmade -- if it was it was done by a really skilled seamstress.
There are a few sources I can think of that might help with an ID. There's a book on Barbie licensed goods -- Encyclopedia of Barbie Doll Family & Friends Licensed Products, 1961-1971, by Alva Christensen and Laural Schwing. I don't collect licensed products so have never personally seen the book, but I've heard it's good. Unfortunately it's out of print, so it's pricey on the secondary market. But it's possible you might find a copy at the library.
If you're on Facebook there are three Groups I belong to that might help: Vintage Barbie Collectors 1959-1972, Vintage and Mod Barbie 1959-1972, and Vintage Barbie Me and My Dolls. You also might reach out to Joe Blitman. He's a dealer who's incredibly nice about helping with IDs.
Once you ID it you'll hopefully get a better sense of value. But I think licensed product collectors will totally lust after it.
68barbie
OP2 months agoThank you! I've been out of the hobby for 25 + years and have lost most of my contacts. I'm not far from Louisville so ventured up there last year to see the salesroom. One of the faces I remembered from "way back then" was Joe Blitman and you are right, he would be an excellent resource. Thanks again for the memory jog.
-C
ab-390150
·2 months agoThat’s actually a cool vintage find
For comps, she should check:
eBay sold listings (search: “1960s Barbie jacket vintage” + filter SOLD)
Etsy vintage clothing section
WorthPoint (best for true vintage pricing history)
Google Lens (to see if similar fabric/design exists)
Barbie collector groups on Facebook (they know rare stuff fast)
Big tip: no tag doesn’t mean handmade, a lot of 60s kids’ items were unbranded or lost tags over time