AMAZING1st Ed. Vintage Original African American Black Francie Barbie DollMIB
This 1965 Twist N Turn Black Francie #1100 is historically priceless as the first African-American family member for Barbie released during a volatile time in our nation's history as the cause of Civil Rights was being brought to the forefront. The First Edition Black Francie dolls on the market like this one, have hair that has oxidized to shades of red over the decades. While the second edition dolls have hair that has remained dark.
She has brown eyes and rooted eyelashes and wears an abstract-Print bikini with cover-up. She has the same body and head mold as her Caucasian counterpart. And they are both from the 1100 Francie series and the only difference is two numbers on their boxes, and brown dye was put into the vinyl mold for the AA Francie. Nevertheless she never invested too much until she knew it would sell.
Especially if after the trial run, if it didn't immediately make a hit she would pull back production. In comparison to this Caucasian box, with a lot of decorative gorgeous illustration, which was just a sign of the times. And maybe a little insidious cultural bias that we didn't even understand back in the day! This Black Francie is quite lovely and a very Rare HTF piece of Barbie history.
Her makeup is impeccable and her limbs are tight. Her knees bend and hold in all 3 positions. Her hair is thick and long with no missing plugs. She has no green spots. I have paired her with a FRANCIE BRUNETTE 1965 BOX that is appropriate for her. I have always loved the graphics on this box because it portrays the California surfer lifestyle.The inside has a picture of two surfers catching the waves and Hanging Ten on their surfboards. It is rare to find this box in good condition. Considering that there were no high tech computer laser printers in 65'. Mattel did a swell job on the graphics. Which is so representative of sixties lifestyle on the West Coast and beyond.
The box is in very nice condition with original stand and Francie Booklet. In my opinion it is near mint, if not for the price tag being torn off on the box end it would be mint! Please examine photos for condition and ask any questions prior to purchasing. She comes with a beautiful handmade replica swimsuit. Comes from smoke free pet free home. Also she will be encased in a plastic display box to protect her and her box. Since she is a very rare and valuable doll, and both are in near mint condition! I CONSIDER ALL FAIR OFFERS!