| Introducing Ken Doll, Barbie Doll's Boyfriend |
Ken doll came onto the scene shortly after Barbie dolls debut. Ken was a male doll in the Mattel Barbie doll line. Ken was Barbie's boyfriend, and was one of the first of the Barbie family to be produced. This article gives the story of the Ken doll. |
Ken Dolls Ken Dolls - An Introduction: Ken,
Barbie's boyfriend was introduced by Mattel in 1961, only two short years after
Barbie's introduction. Ken was a gamble for Mattel, since male dolls never sell
as well as female dolls. However, Ken had a measure of success, and was marketed
with an extensive wardrobe almost as intricate as Barbie's in the 1960s. Ken was
named for the son of the Ruth Handler, the creator of the Barbie doll. The first
Ken was available with flocked brown or blonde hair. There have been countless
variations since. Except for one brief break up in 2004, Barbie and Ken are
still dating.
Years of Production of Ken Dolls: Ken was
introduced in 1961 and has been in production ever since.
Size of Ken Dolls: Ken dolls are
generally 12 inches tall, 1/2 inch taller than Barbie.
Materials Used To Make Ken Dolls: Ken
dolls are made of vinyl, except for the 30th Anniversary Ken doll (released in
1991) which was made of porcelain.
Company That Produces Ken Dolls: Ken
dolls are produced by Mattel, Inc.
Versions of the Ken Doll: Ken Carson (has
been made in countless styles, In the 1960s, Ken started as a straight leg,
flocked-hair doll. He had all-American good looks and an extensive wardrobe.
Bendable Leg and Talking versions followed. In the 1970s, Ken was Malibu Ken and
"Now Look Ken" (hippie Ken with shoulder length hair!) Ken was a bit scarce in
toy stores in the 1970s, and was back to sun tanning (Hawaiian Ken) and shaving
(Sport & Shave Ken). In the 1980s, Ken went disco (Jewel Secrets Ken in
light blue silver lame) By the 1990s, Ken was again more manly and several
versions including Harley Ken were quite well received.
Ken Dolls' Friends and Family: Ken's best
friend was Allan, was first released in 1964. Brad, an African-American friend,
was introduced in 1970.
Secondary Market Prices for Ken Dolls:
Although Vintage Ken was produced in far lower numbers than Barbie, mint
and never removed from box (NRFB) vintage Ken dolls still sell for far lower
prices than Barbie dolls from the same era. Why? Because most doll collectors
have dozens of Barbie dolls buy maybe only one or two Ken dolls. Collectors
simply prefer female dolls. Even the #1 Straight Leg Ken with flocked hair in
perfectly mint condition can be found for under $200.
That said, NRFB rarer 1960s Ken outfits can sell for several hundred dollars.
For modern Ken, collectors especially look for Ken in gift sets with Barbie; the
Phantom of the Opera gift set (produced by FAO Schwarz) and the Lord of the Ring
gift set with Ken as Aragorn are popular and can sell for over $200. Kens from
the early 1990s are harder to find NRFB but sell at very low prices; even the
media darling Earring Magic Ken from 1992 can be found NRFB for under $20. And
not all modern gift sets with Ken are valuable; the Star Trek gift set also can
be found for under $20.
|
By Jayne Cremasco |
|
Denise Van Patten,
Your Guide to Doll
Collecting.
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