Hi Michelle,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The very first model of Barbie issued in 1959 featured holes in the bottoms of her feet so she could stand on her stand; she also had very pointy eyebrows (they looked like these: ^^). It wasn't until later in 1959 that she was issued without pierced feet (the stand she originally stood on was replaced by one that didn't support her through her feet), softened eyebrows and blue eyeshadow. Your Barbie is one of those slightly later models.

The market for Barbie saw an apex in the 1990s and then a resurgence of interest from collectors following the Barbie movie in 2023. Because she retains her original plastic carrying case and complete clothing selection - has a fair-market value of $800-1,200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 1959 Barbie #850
Issued by Mattel in late 1959
Made of heavy vinyl plastic, partially solid body, blonde ponytail hair (blonde’s out number Brunettes 3 to 1), with tight curly bangs, bottom of right foot marked JAPAN, side glancing eyes with white irises and blue eyeshadow, closed red painted mouth, backside marked "B 132" and "Barbie TM/Pats Pend @MCMLVIII by Mattel Inc; with a black/white striped one-piece swimsuit, fur stole, white shorts, blue/black and white striped pullover hoodie, red striped sundress, two-piece red jack/skirt combo, dress with patterned top and yellow skirt, dress with patterned top and red skirt, red/white long coat, black pants and black top, red sailor's jacket, blue and white striped top, blue jeans; with black wire stand, in a plastic fitted case.
DIMENSIONS
CONDITION: Inherited
PROVENANCE: In all-original condition; client says the case has a broken handle.
$ 800-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia