From Retro to Rare: Journey into Vintage Barbie Collectibles Books and Research

“From Retro to Rare: Journey into Vintage Barbie Collectibles” - We are pleased to announce an exciting program on researching vintage Barbie dolls featuring Christopher Johnson and Rachel Hoffman as the Barbie researcher sidekick. (By the way, Robert Tonner LOVES Barbie!) Christopher will be sharing his extensive knowledge of Barbie's history, including valuable tips on how to identify original vintage Barbie dolls, and accessories, and sharing his favorite research materials.
Register for MORE programs through the Virtual Doll Convention TonnerFest event, happening in June 2023: www.virtualdollconvention.com...
Follow Rachel on Instagram: / rachelgracehoffman
Follow Christopher on Instagram: / trinket_twink

[@ritamaughan8761]

Thankyou for your valuable knowledge. I could listen to you all day . Fabulously informative. ❤

[@bbvintagedelights]

I can watch this over and over and learn something new each time! What a gem you found in Christopher!!!❤ He is just precious. You 2 are a great team!

[@lindamclamb2745]

Love you all, but adding Christopher to your doll business was a tremendous asset❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! We're thrilled to have Christopher as part of our doll business, and we agree that he has been a tremendous asset to our team. His knowledge, passion, and unique perspective have added a fresh and exciting dimension to our doll-related content.

[@ArtistDisney]

Yes and hes entertaing too!

[@LynneWright]

His love and joy for dolls is contagious!

[@bbvintagedelights]

Absolutely fantastic video! I love how candid Christopher is and his wealth of knowledge is unbelievable! Truly an inspiration! ❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joanclayton5212]

❤thanks for sharing.

[@carolbates3275]

Love you both! Thanks so much for helping me rediscover my Barbie love. My childhood Barbie was a blonde bubble cut and am now happily collecting Barbie reproductions.

[@misfittoy1316]

Your channel was great before but now with Christopher it!s fabulous!!! I simply love his facial expressions and his head flip. He’s just so fab. I want to be friends with him! I love his knowledge and could use his cuteness in my life! Thanks!

[@cherylwalsh5396]

Wonderful presentation! Christopher is so natural on camera. His descriptions on the face details would only come from a true collector! More is welcome!

[@magyarlight]

I love this video!!!! very amazing information😍🥰💖💖💖💖💖💖 LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

[@user-lq9jh4wr3z]

Loved, loved this episode!!! I learned so much and remembered I always left the big accessories, like cars, behind as I was collecting because of space limits!!!

[@isabellep.461]

Loved it! Those books are amazing, I could watch them all day. How can a 46 mins video feels so short! Thanks! ❤

[@parameswarar2]

I know,we need more 🥰!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We're thrilled to hear that you loved the video and found the books showcased in it amazing! It's wonderful when time flies by while watching something that captivates our interest. The world of dolls and doll collecting is indeed fascinating, and there's always so much to explore and learn.

[@MariaParrishDesign]

Love it, both my daughter and I enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing the book information, I'm putting those on my wishlist!

[@nancprovon4240]

Awesome! I agree The Barbie Fashion book is great reference. Someday we will need a Tonner doll reference when all the online reference are gone.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Absolutely! The Barbie Fashion book is indeed a fantastic reference for all Barbie enthusiasts. It's wonderful to have such resources that help us appreciate the history and evolution of our beloved dolls. And you bring up a great point about the importance of preserving references for other doll lines, such as Tonner dolls.

[@anitaradford2308]

I've tried really hard to make up & to keep up to date Inventories of the Tonner & the Wilde Imagination dolls I have here - it's never ending!! - but I never even thought to do it with my Barbie collection as some came to me without their boxes or their original clothes - this has definitely given me much "food for thought" Thank You Christopher & Rachel

[@user-bk3rl3pw9y]

THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING! THANKS GUYS❤❤❤❤❤🥰😍😍😍BARBLE... NEW WORD🥰

[@wantingoneangel8976]

Rachel, Christopher is like a Professor Of Barbie Dolls😃😃💖💖💖💖💖!!! And thank you Christopher for your very comprehensive teaching with the Barbie Accessories and details of their faces and bodies😃😃💖💖💖💖💖!!! My favorite hair color for Barbie and Ken is blonde, even though Ken is a plastic mold blonde hair from the mid 1970s on. And although my favorite Ken is the one with the blonde hair mold, I like that the earlier Ken had flocked hair!! And I really am interested in these Barbie Books with the Barbels🤗🤗💖💖💖💖💖!!! I also really LOVE that Dog, record player, Sweater Girl Barbie, Plantation Barbie Outfit, Candy Stripper outfit, and the Japanese Skipper as much as the innocent look for the Japanese Francie💖💖💖💖💖💖💖!!! And as a Child, I had the Classic Barbie Camper!! I so wish I still had my Camper, but it is lost to the sands of time. Thank you so much Christopher for teaching me so much about Barbie and the books on Barbie!!! Rachel I would LOVE it if Christopher could do many more videos teaching us about Barbie and yes, even the Knob Necks on the Barbie Doll!! Again, thank you Christopher and Rachel for this fun and very informative video on Barbie💖💖💖💖💖 and some on Ken too💛💛💛💛💛!!!

[@brandonlrushman2870]

The red bathing suit with the blonde ponytail swirl is my favorite! ❤️

[@martinedorminey9837]

Great job...learned a lot, very interesting and addicting.....🥰

[@parameswarar2]

Fabulous job Christopher and Rachel ❤! I want to see a sequel please 😊.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Your request for a sequel is noted, and we'll definitely keep it in mind for future content. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more exciting doll-related videos in the future. Stay tuned and thank you again for your feedback!

[@parameswarar2]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls yeah,thank you 😊.

[@Sharon_A813]

wow we wow loved it

[@AchsahEDavis]

Beautiful bun on that ponytail! The factory bun/braid thing is definitely debatable! I choose to believe that they’re legitimate. She’s definitely a 6 or later though. The big tell is her lip color. The #5’s all had red lips, 6 and later had other shades.

[@sonyasaville5042]

I really enjoyed learning a lot from you, Christopher! I used to played with Barbies when I was four…finding.pictures of me carrying it around with me. I just started collecting them last fall 2022…it’s so nostalgic to remind me of my childhood. I need to start getting some of these books to help me identify to start on my collection. Thank you for interesting information you shared with us. Looking forward for many more videos to share your knowledge with Barbies! Thank you!

[@sandrakuhleisenbeis9296]

Christopher is a natural. What a great job and the knowledge he knows is that of a true collector! What fun!!!!

[@brunollos1111]

Time for more videos already! Thanks!!!

[@wantmoredolls]

Great job Christopher! I've learned a lot!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for your comment and appreciation! We're delighted to hear that you found Christopher's presentation informative and enjoyable. It's always a pleasure to share knowledge and insights about dolls with fellow enthusiasts.

[@wantmoredolls]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls 😊

[@carolinelarson7949]

Wonderful video. Loved it

[@irenehough4441]

Great job guys! I love that look into yesteryear s🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@Amy-hp9nz]

Christopher is so calming and lovely ❤

[@flowermeerkat6827]

Yes he has a nice calm voice

[@AchsahEDavis]

The color variations in balls of yarn depends on what outfit it came with! The original sweater girl always had the green red yellow combo. The knitting pretty was the same however, the pink version also came with a pink ball of yarn sometimes! And it could be pink with yellow and green or pink with yellow and red. There might be other combos but this is what I’ve observed 😁

[@bettyboop4263]

Great informative video❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you!

[@dianathorpe2280]

Yes more Barbies please!!! Thanks so much for sharing your favorite Barbie books. I actually have several of them. Another one I like is Ultimate Barbie Doll Book by Marcie Melillo and a nice little book is Barbie Dolls by Janine Fennick. Not to mention the out of print Barbie magazines.

[@margaretleonard7698]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I only have a small collection of Barbie some must need books to get. Thank you❤️

[@Kathleenbakes]

❤ love Chris!

[@flowermeerkat6827]

Wow! I’ve seen factory braided ponytails but never the braided bun. I love that redhead with the bun

[@jonathanflores9874]

My neighbor's mom in the 80s had a vintage Barbie collection when i was 6 yrs old. I was obsessed to find an excuse to see my friend just so i can see her collection. 😂

[@anitaradford2308]

I have a load of Takara "Jenny" dolls all packed away just now. Really loved the explanations of some of the oddities regarding Barbie too

[@jillsturgeon7910]

Really enjoyed the video and learning, even though I do not collect Barbies😀💕🎉

[@historybuff7491]

Thank you for the info.

[@user-uv3hb4oj6q]

Love, Love, Love, my childhood being brought back to me with Christopher's documentation of a lot of Vintage Barbie/ and her MARVELOUS accessories! Got a little teary-eyed, I am a Barbie collector some vintage to some modern, I'm a 60's girl and that was the best of the best of my Barbies! You must bring more, Rachel and Christopher! Thanks!❤❤

[@carolinelarson7949]

Love the braid on the Number 5

[@msdebra213]

I love my "Barble"! I wish I could get the third in the Eames series but like most of the reference books, it is tremendously expensive. I learned a lot from the video and Christopher is a natural. Can't wait to see more from him!

[@evekankam6744]

I loved the video,love to see more on Barbie

[@catalinaquijano6477]

Listening to Christopher talking about Barbie history and accessories got me through the long-ass drive thru line at In-N-Out. Thank you 🙏🏽 for keeping me calm, patient and happy while I wait for my double double hamburger 🍔 and fries 🍟 😂🥰😘💝

[@justice4all411]

Ahhh captivating for sure. I loved looking through those books with you both 🥰 A greater appreciation for Barbie too...I need my very own BARBLE! ~CHEERS~

[@annelipscomb1215]

I learned a great deal.

[@debrarecksiek1205]

I'm watching this video once again. I find Christopher so informative. Just a great video and Christopher you are wonderful!!! Hope to see more

[@DesignsbyJude]

Such an informative video. I hated to see it end. Christopher is a wealth of knowledge.

[@dianemboher7838]

This is so nostalgic for me. I had so many original Barbies and outfits. Unfortunately, they were given away to younger cousins long ago. Thank you Christopher, Rachel and VDC❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Nostalgia is a wonderful feeling, especially when it comes to our childhood memories and the toys that brought us joy. It's amazing how something as simple as a Barbie doll can hold so much sentimental value and evoke a wave of fond memories.

[@user-ty7gb7hz3r]

Christopher I JUST LOVED the Retro Barbie video! I watched it TWICE!

[@suzanneochs1543]

I was born in 59 but was never given a Barbie til the late 60's. Watching this video has opened an entirely new facination and interest for me into the Barbie world !!! Thank you !❤

[@AchsahEDavis]

Yes!!! The face! So many nuances with vintage Barbie and friends!

[@vincenowell9172]

I would die to have a Barbie with a factory braided bun like that!!

[@sherryspotts8335]

So interesting 😊ty❤

[@rogerlloyd1897]

This was so fun!!!! Welcome Christopher 🎉

[@mimibarnard81]

Loved the video with all the fun facts. I hope you get Christopher to do more of these. It was great! 😊💖✨

[@olivias.8301]

Christopher, you’re totally a Barbie expert!!! 💖

[@rabou3aa]

Such fun

[@vincenowell9172]

Thank you for the Barbie videos Rachel and Christopher 😊

[@AchsahEDavis]

Plantation belle does actually come in a more saturated pink version. Also there are two versions of lace that came on the dress as well!

[@rossanacinquanta5780]

I learnt a lot. Love Christopher's attention for details, which always make the difference. Learnt how to look for details and how to read thru the books I have on Barbie. Yes, I would like to see more videos with Christopher. Thank u so much !

[@carolinelarson7949]

I love that book

[@oliviasdiariesss]

Hi Rachel! I love you’re videos so much! You’re so inspiring!:) I’m a teen collector and I love to see you’re posts!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Keep following your passion for collecting and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your own doll stories. Happy collecting! :)

[@oliviasdiariesss]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls oh my gosh! thank you so much:)

[@dolliesminituresandcollect7663]

I did not know about the furniture and vehicle book thanks so much for sharingu Christopher. I just wished every barbie outfit could be found separate as some one who doesn't have alot of room. It's easier to collect the outfits than the dolls themselves. I also like changing the outfits

[@rossanacinquanta5780]

wow ! the bun variation is very rare, I think..never seen it..with original pins...wow!

[@maureenbright5432]

THAT WAS FABULOUS! I had never even heard of The Barbel! The Barbles? A most enthralling education!

[@dogsareprecious4842]

You and Christopher are adorable in your matching vests! I just found your channel today (Aug. 2023), and I can NOT stop watching all your Barbie vids! 😄

[@Art-in-Making]

Great video, I've learned a lot! I could listen to Christophers stories for hours ❤

[@lisaakinlabi]

I adore red headed Barbies - each one is stunning an unique!

[@wardj1sp]

Love the addition of Christopher!!! I love all dolls but Barbie and friends are my main squeeze!!! Love my Books- I am always going through them and the ones he references , they will probably be worn out by the time I am through them!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

It's wonderful to hear your excitement for Christopher's addition! Barbie and her friends have such a rich history and are truly iconic in the doll world. Having reference books to delve deeper into their stories is a real treat for collectors. It's great to constantly rediscover and cherish the details within them. Keep enjoying your collection and the wealth of knowledge in those books! 😊💕🎀

[@suzannevititoe4265]

Love you guys and Barbie doll ❤️ thanks for a wonderful video 😍

[@lauraappleton233]

I love learning more about Barbie! Christopher's excitement for collecting Barbie shows and makes the videos even more fun. I really love the swirl ponytail Barbie dolls . . . they are my favorite. I just have two vintage ones and one reproduction but they are my favorite ones in my Barbie collection! I love collecting all of the older outfits, too. I still have many outfits to collect, which is good because then the fun of finding them is not over :) Thanks for the video and I'm about to go watch the other one :)

[@leafgameplays5121]

Fun facts about Montgomery Ward Barbie reissue! She has a darker skin tone than the original Barbies and actually has two versions! The version sold in the catalog has no nail polish on her nails and toenails, and did not come with a stand or box, while the store version had red nail polish on her nails and toenails, a pink box, and a stand. Both version did come with a mini "The Lively World of Barbie" booklet though!

[@chrismont5475]

Very Interesting as a Vintage barbie Collector since 1983 Cheers from Canada Rebecca

[@SamuelLanderos-xr6ue]

Christopher is an expert 💯 Don't listen to him otherwise

[@traceg2903]

Great video...just a bunch of giggles. Yes, to neck nob vid's, and bum stamp vid's.

[@jsanders2993]

Even though I don't collect Barbies, this was interesting and a lot of fun! Thank you, Christopher!

[@AchsahEDavis]

I love terry togs! It also has 2 known variants in the color of the fabric. A white version and a darker blue version! I was lucky enough to get the white version in a lot 😁

[@Siansonea]

I think for vintage (1959-1966) collectors, the indispensable books are the Sarah Sink Eames book "Barble" you featured in this video, the Sibyl DeWein/Joan Ashabraner "blue bible" Collector's Encyclopedia, and the Barbie Bazaar catalog reprints. I've been consulting these books for years and years. I collect all eras of Barbie, so I also really appreciate the Mod and SuperStar volumes of the Eames books as well. I often wish Sarah had done a Volume 4 of the series, covering the 80s. I'm pretty sure I could replicate the 'factory braid' on that #5. I am quite a whiz with Barbie hair. I think my favorite vintage hair color is the bright titian of the 1961 ponytail and Bubblecut dolls. It's so much more vivid than the later, somewhat drab titian color. And like Rachel, I love Swirls. I have one with the yellow ribbon and the bobby pin, who came to me with her hair in the original set. It may sound sacrilegious, but I had to restyle her hair, it was just too disheveled when it came to me. But like I said, I am a whiz with Barbie hair and it looks perfect now. Swirls are actually my favorite to restyle, it's so satisfying to see them return to their original beauty. I like the BillyBoy book, but there are some of the dolls he has pictured are downright janky. One photo that always cracks me up is a Bubblecut on a bendleg body wearing American Airlines Stewardess. One of her shoes is coming off in the photo, and she basically looks like she's just come off a long flight and is chilling at the airport lounge, barely sober. Maybe she played the Barble Drinking Game. 😁 I think the best part of that book is the New Theater De La Mode, with all of the custom fashions made by famous designers long before the proliferation of official designer dolls made by Mattel that happened in the 90s. There's a lot of crazy creative stuff here. The 1972 Ward's Anniversary Barbie was actually on a more or less regular Midge/Barbie body, the same as the Standard Barbie body of the time, but in a more tan skintone than the original ponytail dolls had. It was even made in Japan. So it isn't as far removed from the original Barbie as the later repros, some of which are downright comical. The 1993 "#1 Barbie" repro is hilariously bad. Also, side note, Ballerina Barbie wasn't on the market until 1976, so she wasn't contemporaneous with Wards Anniversary Barbie. It might be a good idea for Christopher to demonstrate a neck knob O-ring replacement for a Miss Barbie, as that is a tricky repair for most people. I've only had to do it a couple of times, but it was an ordeal.

[@marypotter27.]

Thank you Christopher for the information and Rachel for the video. My love is the Titian Ponytail Barbie!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You're very welcome! We're thrilled that you enjoyed Christopher's information and found the video valuable. The Titian Ponytail Barbie is a classic and iconic doll, and it's wonderful to hear that it holds a special place in your heart.

[@rossanacinquanta5780]

I have never seen the yellow book...and those so many accessories! In Italy we couldn't get all those! Just a few Barbie & friends and some fashions ( talking about the '60s and early '70s mainly)

[@tynaverhoeff5124]

Okay... Every Barbie book I own is now a Barble... 😂😂 Great video, very insightful and love your vests!!!

[@robynewestfall5742]

I squealed when I saw that Christopher kept notes in his "Barble" - I do the exact same thing! I list what I have and what is missing just like Christopher. Birds of a feather!

[@lindaschreiner8676]

Thank you Christopher! Great video!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You are very welcome, thank you for commenting!

[@collectingmemories9431]

Great video!!! Thank you 💖💖

[@rossanacinquanta5780]

Love you name it as Barble.. !

[@DOLLYPOP.]

I need to say I just love booth of you and you two are the dream team ,everyone can tell you two are aren't just coworkers but have Become really close friends?! or I personally feel that vibe/energy between the two of you🙏 so i would bet my money on that' being a fact 😊💕anyways Rachel you are such a beautiful person from the outside to within with equal beautiful soul and aura all around you 💞😍 that's why people with good and pure hearts are naturally drawn to you...RacheI i want to say this with all the respect from my heart and I never do this or have said anything to people who don't know me..or at least since I was little and didn't understand it wasn't "normal" because my mom+fam was use to it/me whenever I said something from past or was going to happen in future they learnd to believe and listen after countless happenings ever since I was only 3 years old use to it and until my mother had to talk to me because I but I believe you have a lot from your beautiful and beloved mom/mother...💞🙏 just like you people was drawn to her and just wanted to be around..very strong like you, but also very sensitive with a beautiful soul...

[@CherishedDollFriends]

I think my favourite Barbie hair style is the swirl pony tail because it is reminiscent of Bild Lilli. 💕 My favourite hair colour is the brown hair on the Twist N Turn Barbie that I had as a small child. You have a great collection of reference books. I follow Theriault’s as well. Florence is a very knowledgeable resource. Thanks for sharing all this with us!

[@daveparmenter1568]

White Ginger Bubblecut and Raven Bubblecut!!!

[@joanclayton5212]

Could you do a video on the different Barbie books that’s available with a quick preview.

[@compactgirl]

I have a number four with a factory braid I had to replace her rubber bands though they were broken and brittle so she had some dust on her hair but yeah she has black hair. She's in my video called vintage barbie haul 1year ago....

[@tumbledon]

Loved this video. Not a barbie collector. But enjoyed it. One face I love the most from Barbie...would be like the 1976 Mattel Ballerina barbie face. The one with the crown on her head that made her spin. Throughout my childhood I did pick out really interesting barbies. A cowgirl who would wink, one that you could put lip stamp on and kiss. Think she had kisses all over her dress. I beautiful spanish one with a red dress and rose, bionic woman, cher, and a few movie based barbies. Wish I still had them all.

[@melissahoover890]

Super video, Christopher and Rachel. Do I see a UFDC convention program in Christopher's future? Christopher, if you don't have the barble, Barbie's Structures and Furniture by Marl B. Davidson, its fabulous.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for the appreciation! Christopher's knowledge and passion would surely be a hit at a UFDC convention program. And thanks for the book recommendation about Barbie's structures and furniture. It sounds like a must-have for enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the world of Barbie. Always great to share and receive tips within the community. Here's to more doll-filled discussions and discoveries! 😊💕🎀

[@elizabethcirrotti7407]

I had so many of those things. We played with everything until we wore it all out. LOL

[@sherryspotts8335]

Another Great show 👏 Are you and Christopher going too see Barbie 🎬 movie?

[@AchsahEDavis]

Lol I would actually happily watch a neck knob video! 😂

[@vickibullman17]

Very interesting! Thanks!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You are very welcome, thank you for commenting!

[@NatureAngel147]

christopher IS my barble!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AchsahEDavis]

I cannot choose a favorite hair color! But definitely the lemon blond, Titian, and the raven are my top 3! 💛♥️🖤

[@marilynmcelroy9634]

When I was a kid I had a titian bubble cut Barbie, a titian flocked hair Ken and a titian Skipper. My little family of redheads. Our real family were redheads.

[@lindaschreiner8676]

Love all redhead dolls.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Me too!!

[@sharonevans6864]

Thank you for bringing such a fun and informative video. I have many of these wonderful books but I am looking for a book that covers all of the Barbie reproduction dolls from 1994 to present day. They have many accessories that come with certain dolls and I was wondering are there any books out there to help me know what goes with what! Thanks again for these great videos!