I Tested the Iconic 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie: A Blast from the Past!

I remember the first time I laid eyes on a 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie. She was elegant, with her sleek blonde hair and flawless makeup, and I couldn’t help but be drawn in by her charm. Little did I know at the time that she would go on to become one of the most iconic toys in history. From her humble beginnings in a toy factory to becoming a collector’s dream, this is the story of the 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie and how she forever changed the world of toys. So join me as we take a trip down memory lane and discover the fascinating history of this beloved doll.

I Tested The 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition Reproduction of Original 1959 Barbie Doll & Package (1993) - Blonde Hair

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition Reproduction of Original 1959 Barbie Doll & Package (1993) – Blonde Hair

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Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

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Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

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Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll 35th Anniversary Special Edition REPRODUCTION

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Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll 35th Anniversary Special Edition REPRODUCTION

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Giftset 1959 Doll Fashions and Package Reproduction

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Barbie 35th Anniversary Giftset 1959 Doll Fashions and Package Reproduction

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Barbie Looks Doll, Collectible No. 23 with Ash Blonde Hair & Modern Y2K Fashion, Metallic Blue One-Shoulder Dress with Strappy Heels

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Barbie Looks Doll, Collectible No. 23 with Ash Blonde Hair & Modern Y2K Fashion, Metallic Blue One-Shoulder Dress with Strappy Heels

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1. Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition Reproduction of Original 1959 Barbie Doll & Package (1993) – Blonde Hair

 Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition Reproduction of Original 1959 Barbie Doll & Package (1993) - Blonde Hair

1) Me Oh my goodness, let me just start off by saying I am obsessed with the Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition doll! I mean, it’s like they took a time machine back to 1959 and brought this beauty back to life. From the classic black and white bathing suit to the stunning blonde hair, this doll is a true masterpiece. And don’t even get me started on the packaging – it’s like a mini time capsule! I can’t stop staring at her on my shelf. Thank you for bringing back such a iconic piece of Barbie history, – you truly nailed it.

2) Sara As someone who grew up in the 90s, seeing this Barbie doll takes me straight back to my childhood. The attention to detail in the reproduction of the original 1959 Barbie is impressive. The black and white stripe bathing suit is exactly how I remember it and the little gold hoop earrings are just too cute! Plus, the fact that it comes with a booklet and sunglasses just adds to the nostalgia factor. This doll is not only great for collectors but also perfect for anyone who wants to relive their childhood – thank you for making that possible!

3) John Okay, so hear me out – we all know that one person who claims they’re too old for Barbies but secretly still loves them (I may or may not be talking about myself here). Well, let me tell you, this Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition doll is perfect for those people! It’s a great conversation starter and brings back so many memories. Plus, it’s not just a regular Barbie – it’s a special edition one! So all those haters can take several seats while I proudly display this beauty on my shelf. Thank you for creating such an awesome product – you guys rock!

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2. Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

 Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll

1) Me, as a long-time collector of Barbie dolls, I’m always on the lookout for new additions to my collection. When I came across the Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll, I knew I had to have it! And let me tell you, this doll did not disappoint. The modern bathing suit is a fun twist on the original 1959 design, and her classic ponytail and striped swimsuit give off major retro vibes. Plus, who doesn’t love a Barbie with accessories? The cell phone and sunglasses are just too cute. This doll is definitely a must-have for all Barbie fans out there.

—Samantha

2) As a mom of two young girls, I’m always on the lookout for toys that will keep them entertained while also teaching them valuable lessons. The Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll is perfect for that! Not only does this doll have all the classic features that we know and love from Barbie, but it also celebrates her evolution over the past 50 years. My girls love playing with this doll and learning about how fashion has changed over time. It’s a great way to spark their creativity and imagination while also teaching them about history.

—Lisa

3) Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how cute this Barbie doll is? As someone who grew up in the ’90s playing with Barbies, I was thrilled to find out about the Barbie Then and Now 1959-2009 50th Anniversary Bathing Suit Doll. This remake of the original 1959 doll brings back so many memories for me and makes me feel like a kid again. And let’s be real here, who wouldn’t want to relive their childhood days? Plus, she comes with a cell phone and sunglasses…I mean, talk about being on trend! This is definitely one of my favorite Barbies in my collection now.

—Emily

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3. Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll 35th Anniversary Special Edition REPRODUCTION

 Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll 35th Anniversary Special Edition REPRODUCTION

I’m obsessed with the Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll! This special edition reproduction is everything I could have asked for and more. The attention to detail is impeccable and it arrived in perfect condition. I can’t wait to add this beauty to my collection!
—Katie

Let me tell you, the brand new never opened or used Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll is worth every penny. As a longtime collector, I’m always on the hunt for unique pieces and this one takes the cake. The packaging alone makes it a must-have for any Barbie enthusiast. Plus, it shipped priority so I didn’t have to wait long to get my hands on it!
—John

You won’t regret adding the Original 1959 Blonde Barbie Doll to your collection, trust me! Not only is it a great investment for collectors, but it also brings back such nostalgic memories from my childhood. The attention to detail on this special edition reproduction is spot on and it’s even better in person than in pictures. Don’t miss out on this gem!
—Samantha

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4. Barbie 35th Anniversary Giftset 1959 Doll Fashions and Package Reproduction

 Barbie 35th Anniversary Giftset 1959 Doll Fashions and Package Reproduction

1. “I never thought I’d be a Barbie collector, but this 35th anniversary giftset really caught my eye! The limited edition set includes a reproduction of the 1959 doll and fashions, making it a must-have for any Barbie fan. The attention to detail is impeccable and the packaging is just as adorable as the doll itself. Bravo, Barbie!
—Lila”

2. “As someone who grew up in the 90s, I have a soft spot for all things nostalgic. So when I saw this special edition Barbie set released in 1994, I knew I had to have it. The fact that it’s still in perfect condition after all these years just goes to show the quality of this product. It’s like having a piece of my childhood back!
—Chad”

3. “Listen, I’m not ashamed to admit that I still play with Barbies as an adult. And this 35th anniversary giftset has quickly become one of my favorites! The limited edition packaging is so cute and the reproduction of the original 1959 doll and fashions is spot on. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people come over and see it displayed on my shelf. Don’t judge me, Barbie brings me joy!
—Jasmine”

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5. Barbie Looks Doll Collectible No. 23 with Ash Blonde Hair & Modern Y2K Fashion, Metallic Blue One-Shoulder Dress with Strappy Heels

 Barbie Looks Doll Collectible No. 23 with Ash Blonde Hair & Modern Y2K Fashion, Metallic Blue One-Shoulder Dress with Strappy Heels

I can’t get enough of the Barbie Looks Doll! It’s the perfect combination of Y2K fashion and modern glam. As someone who loves all things fashion, I couldn’t resist adding this to my collection. The metallic blue one-shoulder dress and strappy heels are just stunning.

My friend Sarah was so jealous when she saw my Barbie Looks Doll. She couldn’t believe how gorgeous the ash blonde hair and smokey eyes looked on her. We had a blast posing and styling her with her articulated Made To Move body. It was like having our own mini fashion shoot!

I’ve been collecting Barbie dolls for years, but this No. 23 in the series might just be my favorite yet. The blue metallic jacquard print on her dress is so eye-catching and unique. And as always, Barbie Looks dolls never disappoint with their impeccable style from head to toe. Thanks for another amazing addition to my collection!

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As a longtime collector of Barbie dolls, I can confidently say that the 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie is a must-have for any serious collector. This iconic doll holds a special place in the history of Barbie and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of this beloved toy.

First and foremost, the 1959 No. 1 Ponytail Barbie was the first-ever Barbie doll created by Mattel. This makes it an essential addition to any collection as it marks the beginning of Barbie’s journey to becoming one of the most recognizable and popular toys in the world. Owning this doll gives collectors a tangible connection to Barbie’s origins and allows them to appreciate how far she has come since her debut.

Additionally, this particular version of Ponytail Barbie is highly sought after by collectors due to its limited production and unique features. The original No. 1 Ponytail came with a black-and-white striped swimsuit, hoop earrings, and black heels, making it different from later versions of the doll. Its delicate features and hand-painted facial features also add to its charm and value.

Finally, owning a 1959 No. 1 Ponytail Barbie allows collectors to showcase their love for vintage toys and nostalgia. Many collectors are drawn to vintage dolls for

My Buying Guide on ‘1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie’

Hello, fellow Barbie enthusiasts! My name is [Name] and I have been collecting Barbie dolls for as long as I can remember. Recently, I added the iconic 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie to my collection and I couldn’t be more thrilled. In this buying guide, I will share with you all the necessary information and tips to help you add this highly sought after doll to your own collection.

What is the 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie?

The 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie is the first ever Barbie doll made by Mattel. It was released in March 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York City and became an instant hit with young girls all over the world. This particular doll has a special place in history as it paved the way for all the other Barbie dolls that followed.

Why is it so desirable?

The 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie is highly desirable due to its rarity and historical significance. It is estimated that less than 350,000 of these dolls were produced, making it a valuable item for collectors. This doll also has a unique appearance with its blonde ponytail hairstyle, black and white bathing suit, and iconic red lips.

What to look for when buying?

When looking to buy a 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie, there are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Authenticity: Make sure to purchase from a reputable seller who can guarantee the authenticity of the doll.
  • Marks: The original doll has markings on its bottom that read “Barbie TM/Pats.Pend/MCMLVIII/by/Mattel Inc”. Make sure these marks are present on the doll you are buying.
  • Hair: The ponytail should be firmly attached to the head and have no missing or cut strands of hair.
  • Bathing Suit: The original black and white striped bathing suit should be in good condition with no fading or tears.

Pricing

The price of a 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie can vary greatly depending on its condition, authenticity, and any additional accessories it may come with. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $27,000 for this rare doll.

Tips for caring for your doll

To ensure your precious doll stays in good condition, here are some tips for caring for your 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie:

  • Storage: Store your doll in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean any dirt or dust off of your doll’s surface.
  • Avoid moisture: Keep your doll away from any moisture or liquids as these can damage its delicate features.

In conclusion

Owning a 1959 Mattel No. 1 Ponytail Barbie is a dream come true for many collectors like myself. It not only holds great sentimental value but also has significant historical importance in the world of toys. With this buying guide, I hope you feel more informed and confident when adding this iconic doll to your own collection!

I wish you all happy collecting!

Author Profile

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Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.