Doll
Mattel Inc
Category
Dolls
Date
1962
Materials
PVC doll dressed in textile material and with a paper booklet contained in a cardboard box
Measurements
320 x 90 x 50 mm
Place of origin
Japan
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 672340
Summary
A second edition ‘Ken’ doll by Mattel in its original cardboard box packaging. The box is white with blue ends and has a number of colour images of Ken in various fashion outfits. It also has text saying 'Ken he's a doll' and 'He's Barbie's boyfriend'. There are red Mattel logos on either end of the box and also the dolls stock number (750). The doll is dressed in a red and white fleece lined stripped top and red shorts. The box also contains an original, unopened fashion booklet and a pair of red cork sandels. The 'Ken' doll was launched by Mattel in 1961 as the fictional partner of the 'Barbie' doll launched two years earlier.
Provenance
Purchased by the National Trust Museum of Childhood via ebay on 27th September 2017 as part of the Collecting Cultures 'Exploring Childhoods' project
Marks and inscriptions
Ends of box: Red Mattel logos printed on ends of box Ends of box: Stock number '750' printed on ends of box
Makers and roles
Mattel Inc , manufacturer