"Barbie" was introduced at the American Toy Fair in New York City in 1959 by Ruth and Elliot Handler, who were co-founders of Mattel Toys in 1945. She was inspired by a ‘Lilli’ doll bought by Ruth Handler in Switzerland.

The first Barbie sold for $3.00 and received mixed reviews on release, as she was so unlike any other dolls produced before. However, the public grew to love her and, from 1960s, her popularity became assured.

Looking at the features of a doll help to date it. For example, if she has ‘bubble cut’ hair, she dates from 1961 – 1967. Barbies with ‘pony tail’ hairstyles were produced between 1959 and 1964 and are highly sought after with around six different types available.

Barbie is marked on her buttocks, with the marks helping to date and identify her. The date shown is not the date she was made, but more...

50 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A 1987 Barbie 'California dream' by Mattel. In original…

1987 Barbie 'California Dream' in Original Unopened Box, Provenance Included

A 1987 Barbie 'California dream' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1999 Barbie 'Olympic fan' by Mattel for the Sydney 2000…

1999 Barbie 'Olympic Fan' by Mattel in Original Box

A 1999 Barbie 'Olympic fan' by Mattel for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1998 Barbie 'Winter evening' special edition by Mattel. In…

1998 Barbie 'Winter Evening' Special Edition by Mattel, Unopened

A 1998 Barbie 'Winter evening' special edition by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1990 Steven 'Hawaiian fun' and Barbie 'Fun to dress' by…

1990 Mattel Steven and Barbie in unopened boxes from collection

A 1990 Steven 'Hawaiian fun' and Barbie 'Fun to dress' by Mattel. In original unopened boxes. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1986 Barbie 'Superhair' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1986 Barbie 'Superhair' in Original Unopened Box from Private Collection

A 1986 Barbie 'Superhair' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1983 Barbie 'Loving you' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1983 Barbie 'Loving You' by Mattel in original box

A 1983 Barbie 'Loving you' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1999 Barbie 'Olympic fan' by Mattel for the Sydney 2000…

1999 Barbie 'Olympic Fan' in Original Box, Marie Prideaux Collection

A 1999 Barbie 'Olympic fan' by Mattel for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1990 Barbie 'Light & Lace' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1990 Barbie 'Light & Lace' in original box, Marie Prideaux Collection

A 1990 Barbie 'Light & Lace' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1983 Barbie 'Safari' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1983 Barbie 'Safari' by Mattel in original unopened box

A 1983 Barbie 'Safari' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1989 Barbie 'Gold coast' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1989 Barbie 'Gold Coast' by Mattel in Original Box

A 1989 Barbie 'Gold coast' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1988 Barbie 'Fun to dress' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1988 Barbie 'Fun to Dress' in Original Unopened Box

A 1988 Barbie 'Fun to dress' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' (orange) by Mattel. In original…

1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' (orange) by Mattel in box

A 1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' (orange) by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1987 Barbie 'Fashion play' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1987 Barbie 'Fashion Play' by Mattel in Original Unopened Box

A 1987 Barbie 'Fashion play' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1986 Barbie 'Funtime' by Mattel. In original unopened boxes.…

1986 Barbie 'Funtime' by Mattel in Original Unopened Boxes

A 1986 Barbie 'Funtime' by Mattel. In original unopened boxes. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' in unopened box from Marie Prideaux

A 1989 Barbie 'Wet'n Wild' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1989 Barbie 'Flight time' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1989 Barbie 'Flight Time' in Original Unopened Box - Provenance

A 1989 Barbie 'Flight time' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1984 Barbie 'Peach 'n Cream' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1984 Barbie 'Peach 'n Cream' in unopened box with provenance

A 1984 Barbie 'Peach 'n Cream' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1990 Barbie 'Costume ball' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1990 Barbie Costume Ball by Mattel in Original Unopened Box

A 1990 Barbie 'Costume ball' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1990 Barbie 'United colours of Benetton' by Mattel. In…

1990 Barbie 'United Colours of Benetton' in Original Box

A 1990 Barbie 'United colours of Benetton' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1987 Barbie 'Jewel secrets' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1987 Barbie 'Jewel Secrets' in unopened box from Marie Prideaux

A 1987 Barbie 'Jewel secrets' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1983 Barbie 'Great shape' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1983 Barbie 'Great Shape' by Mattel in Original Unopened Box

A 1983 Barbie 'Great shape' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1988 Barbie 'Feeling Fun' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1988 Barbie 'Feeling Fun' in unopened box from Marie Prideaux

A 1988 Barbie 'Feeling Fun' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1987 Barbie 'Doctor' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1987 Barbie 'Doctor' by Mattel in unopened box

A 1987 Barbie 'Doctor' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1997 Barbie 'Twist'n Turn' by Mattel. In original unopened…

1997 Barbie 'Twist'n Turn' in unopened box from prestigious collection

A 1997 Barbie 'Twist'n Turn' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1989 Barbie 'Suncharm' by Mattel. In original unopened box.…

1989 Barbie 'Suncharm' in Original Unopened Box from Collection

A 1989 Barbie 'Suncharm' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1999 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' as Glinda by Mattel. In original…

1999 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' Glinda Doll in Original Box

A 1999 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' as Glinda by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1995 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' as Dorothy by Mattel for Collector…

1995 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' Dorothy by Mattel Collector

A 1995 Barbie 'Wizard of Oz' as Dorothy by Mattel for Collector edition. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2003 Barbie 'Odette in Swan Lake ballet' by Mattel. In…

2003 Barbie 'Odette in Swan Lake' by Mattel, unopened

A 2003 Barbie 'Odette in Swan Lake ballet' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2001 Barbie 'Marilyn Monroe' by Mattel for Collector edition.…

2001 Barbie 'Marilyn Monroe' by Mattel in Collector Edition

A 2001 Barbie 'Marilyn Monroe' by Mattel for Collector edition. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2000 Barbie 'Olympic pin collector' by Mattel. For the Sydney…

2000 Sydney Olympics Barbie Pin Collector in Original Unopened Box

A 2000 Barbie 'Olympic pin collector' by Mattel. For the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 1999 Barbie 'Swimming champion' by Mattel. For the Sydney…

1999 Sydney Olympics Barbie 'Swimming Champion' in Unopened Box

A 1999 Barbie 'Swimming champion' by Mattel. For the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2000 Barbie 'Ferrari' by Mattel for Collector Edition. In…

2000 Barbie Ferrari by Mattel Collector Edition in Original Box

A 2000 Barbie 'Ferrari' by Mattel for Collector Edition. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2003 Barbie 'Wonder Woman' by Mattel. In original unopened…

2003 Barbie 'Wonder Woman' by Mattel in unopened box

A 2003 Barbie 'Wonder Woman' by Mattel. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2000 Barbie 'Society hound' by Mattel. Limited edition for…

2000 Barbie 'Society Hound' Limited Edition by Mattel Toy

A 2000 Barbie 'Society hound' by Mattel. Limited edition for Barbie Collectibles. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2000 Elizabeth Taylor 'Father of the bride' by Mattel. For…

2000 Elizabeth Taylor Barbie Collector Edition in Original Unopened Box

A 2000 Elizabeth Taylor 'Father of the bride' by Mattel. For Barbie Collector Edition. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A 2003 Olivia Newton John 'Grease'. 25th Anniversary by Mattel…

2003 Olivia Newton John 'Grease' Barbie Collector Edition Doll

A 2003 Olivia Newton John 'Grease'. 25th Anniversary by Mattel for Barbie Collector Edition. In original unopened box. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A vinyl Barbie by Mattel and her companion 'Mitch'. Length 30…

Vintage Barbie and Mitch Doll Set from Marie Prideaux Collection

A vinyl Barbie by Mattel and her companion 'Mitch'. Length 30 cm. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

A collection of four Mattel Barbie Nostalgic series. Dated 1995…

Mattel Barbie Nostalgic Series Collection from Marie Prideaux Exhibition

A collection of four Mattel Barbie Nostalgic series. Dated 1995 and serial: Aus-022/223/296/476. Height 23 cm. Provenance: From the Marie Prideaux Collection, some at the 'Hello Dolly!' exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery (2009-2010).

Bild Lilli doll, German, 1950s. Black side-glancing eyes with…

1950s German Bild Lilli Doll with Original Packaging and Newspaper

Bild Lilli doll, German, 1950s. Black side-glancing eyes with prominent white eye dots, moulded upper eye liner with lashes painted to side, smoky eye shadow, curved high brows, rosebud shaped mouth, cheek blush, blonde hair in pony tail with split curl…

A Ken Duncan photograph, 'Kalumburra Road, WA'. Signed and…

Kalumburra Road, WA

A Ken Duncan photograph, 'Kalumburra Road, WA'. Signed and dated '92 lower right

Skipper, brunette wearing Sunny Pastels

Sunny Brunette Skipper in Pastels

Skipper, brunette wearing Sunny Pastels

Model no 1030 Skipper Bendable leg, titian wearing Me 'N My…

Bendable Leg Skipper Doll with Me 'N My Outfit

Model no 1030 Skipper Bendable leg, titian wearing Me 'N My doll complete

Pony tail swirl Barbie, blonde wearing, after five, damage of…

Blonde Barbie with Green Ear Damage in Evening Attire

Pony tail swirl Barbie, blonde wearing, after five, damage of green ear

Pony tail Barbie, brunette wearing Arabian Nights, no earrings,…

Arabian Nights Barbie with Theatre Programme

Pony tail Barbie, brunette wearing Arabian Nights, no earrings, bangles and theatre programme

Bubble cut Barbie, blonde (green ear), red swim suit wearing…

Blonde Bubble Cut Barbie in Red Swimsuit

Bubble cut Barbie, blonde (green ear), red swim suit wearing sheath Sensation

Pony tail swirl Barbie, blonde wearing American Airlines…

Blonde Barbie in American Airlines Stewardess Uniform

Pony tail swirl Barbie, blonde wearing American Airlines Stewardess complete

Bubble cut Barbie, brunette, red swimsuit, wearing Nighty…

Missing Barbie's Stuffed Dog

Bubble cut Barbie, brunette, red swimsuit, wearing Nighty Negligee set, missing stuffed dog

Model 870 C1962 Fashion Queen Barbie painted medium brown (some…

Lame Suit Fashion Queen Barbie with Resort Set

Model 870 C1962 Fashion Queen Barbie painted medium brown (some rubbing), lame suit, wearing Resort set complete with charm bracelet

Boxed C1961 Pony tail Barbie, blonde wearing red Flare complete…

Vintage Barbie Set with Red Flare and Silken Flame

Boxed C1961 Pony tail Barbie, blonde wearing red Flare complete and Silken flame, (box in poor condition) with gold stand

Boxed model 850 C1962-67 bubble cut Barbie, redhead with red…

Redhead Nurse Barbie with Accessories

Boxed model 850 C1962-67 bubble cut Barbie, redhead with red swimsuit, booklet and gold stand, wearing Registered Nurse complete with all accessories