It got tiresome to constantly search around Google, official forums, and outside links, in order to assess how geplete my collection of Rainbow Brite dolls were. So now, I'm going to work on a full list for okay members. That way, you all don't have to go through all the trouble that I did.
I am one of eight girls who sell, review, and write guides on okay. See our other guides, reviews, and items for sale if you are interested.
Another thing, please rate this guide when you are done with it. if it was a tad bit useful, I'd like to know. If there's something you think should be added or amended, let me know!
All of the pictures I haveposted are either of my own dolls OR gathered through Google image search. If any of the pictures below belong to you (or you know who the photo belongs to), please let me know so I can give appropriate credit!
INDEX:1. "First, the basic stuff" -- what attributes to look for when determing a vintage RB doll.2. "Basic conditions to look for when purchasing vintage RB" --five simplerules to abide by when determining quality.3. Finally, the geplete list you've been waiting for -- all vintage RB dolls (described to the best of my ability) rareity scale (just my opinion).
First, the basic stuff:
A Rainbow Brite doll is TRUE VINTAGE if, and only if, it has a tush tag that states Mattel.
Just because the back of the vinyl head is stamped with 1983, DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE DOLL IS FROM THE EIGHTIES.
If you are a seller and you know in your heart that the doll you are selling is vintage, but it doesn't have a readable tush tag (or the tag is removed), you are going to have a hard time selling the item for its collecting worth and you shouldn't expect hardcore collectors to spend more than a couple of dollars on it.
To further elaborate, an appropriate vintage wash tag on the bottom of a doll will state 1983 Hallmark (as it also states on contemporary dolls), but it will also have a copyright for Mattel Inc. This is the key find when buying vintage Rainbow Brite. This tag is white with black text only. If the doll has a colorful, yellow wash tag, it was NOT made by Mattel and it is NOT vintage.
Basic conditions to look for when purchasing vintage Rainbow Brite:
These conditions apply to most collectible Rainbow Brite dolls. Do not be afraid to ask a seller detailed questions about their item. And remember that it is never rude to request more pictures.
1. A crisp tush tag with dark, clear text. No rips or fraying.
Tush tags vary by location. Canadian dolls may have two tags (one of which will supply the important information stated in the above section). Mexican dolls may have an extra tag with no text where a hang tag was attached. German dolls also had an extra tush tag alongside the copyright tag. The same can be said for Italian Rainbow Brite. The point is, do not let this throw you off.
2. Perfect seams. Tight, not loose, and no holes.
If there are holes in the stitching, they are easily fixable. IF THERE ARE RIPS, you'll have a hard time repairing them. Know the difference. Also, Rainbow Brite and Color Kids have detailed stitching on their shoes. It would be ideal to own all the dolls with perfect seams (since loose stitching in areas like that is very hard to fix). Furthermore, you want your dolls to have outfits that match this criteria (rips and broken seams are a big no-no).
3. Vinyl faces with perfect face paint and very little rubbing from play.
The vinyl face varies from Color Kids to Sprites to pets. The main point is, if there is a lot of paint chipping (on the nose especially) OR rubbing of the vinyl, this obviously decreases the value of your item. Rainbow Brite and all the Color Kids should have sparkling eyes, blush, and bright lips; usually, when they are used, you will typically see rubbing of the blush or scratches on the eyes. [[DO NOT WORRY ABOUT DIRT MARKS. Scratches are one thing, but dirt marks can be easily removed with a Magic Eraser. They gee right out.]] On Sprites, you should always be wary of their eyes, blush, and nose; typically, used Sprites will have severe paint chipping on their nose or rubbed blush. On female Sprites, look for bright red, heart shaped lips. For Puppy Brite and Kitty Brite, you want to look for bright eyes, cheek blush, and no paint-chipping on the nose and tongue (the two most sensitive places to wear).
4. Hair or fur in near-original condition.
Besides being clean, yarn hair on all the dolls (and on Starlite) should always be unknotted, uncut, with no pulling, no balling /pilling from play, and brightly-colored with little fading. Knotted hair can be gentlyuntangled with some patience and a wide-tooth geb. Experienced buyers will know the difference between cut and uncut hair. Pulling cannot be repaired without rerooting hair and that's a hassle. Balling and pilling from play can be easily removed with a lint remover made specifically for cashmere sweaters (you can pick one up at a craft store). Besides being clean (you can spot-treat areas with gentle carpet stain remover), fur coats on Sprites and pets should be brightly colored with little fading and should not be matted, washed in a washing machine, dried with a blowdryer, or cut. Once you throw in a Sprite in the wash for example, all of the individual, tiny bristles in its fur mane will clump together and you will be left with nothing but a colorful furball with a cute face.
5. Sparkly shiny material in mint condition.
Sparkly materials that glitters in the light can be found on doll clothing, Kitty Brite's ears, and Starlite's forehead. It should never been peeling, chipping, significantly creased, faded, scratched, or anything of the sort. Significantly used Rainbow Brite items, with said material, will be very dull in those spots. Typically, clothing will chip and peel over time in these spots; Kitty Brite's sparkly inner ears will gee off; and Starlite's shiny star will turn from golden to yellow. They will all stop reflecting the light. Obviously, you should stay away from items like this.
And finally, the geplete list of vintage Rainbow Brite dolls:
Below is a geplete list (as far as I know) of every single Rainbow Brite doll manufactured by Mattel in the Eighties. As always, I welgee additions and corrections by messaging me through okay. I will do my best to include all pertinent information next to each item. Furthermore, I am working on uploading pictures to finish everything off. PLEASE BE PATIENT! Thanks for looking! If this was helpful to you, show me some love by voting above!
I am still working on this list!!
All pictures posted are generic web pictures, personal scans, or pictures from my own collection (unless otherwise noted).
The "rareity" scale is my researched, modest opinion. Very easy -
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment