1Identify

Preliminary identification

Mattel 'Superstar' Era Barbie Doll, c. 1977-1982

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This doll features the iconic 'Superstar' face sculpt, characterized by a wide, toothy smile and forward-facing blue eyes that defined Barbie's look for two decades.

Story

In 1977, Mattel moved away from the demure, side-glancing dolls of the previous decade to launch the 'Superstar' Barbie, a doll designed to capture the high-glamour energy of the disco era and Hollywood's 'Golden Girl' aesthetic.

Maker / Origin

Mattel was founded in a garage in 1945, but it was co-founder Ruth Handler who changed the world in 1959 by introducing Barbie, named after her daughter.

Condition & Value

The face paint appears well-preserved with no visible 'green ear' or significant fading. Value for loose dolls from this era depends heavily on the 'tightness' of the limb joints and the condition of the face paint.

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