The exquisite
European Swirl Barbie doll was released in Europe in 1964 and is a very challenging
doll to find. She looks similar to the
Swirl that was available in the U.S. market, but there are slight differences.
Barbie dolls from
Europe all have some variances from their U.S. counterparts. It can be anything from a different body to something
as simple as a part in her hair.
An illustration of a
major distinction would be the 1967 twist ‘n turn Barbie marketed in Germany. She was actually called the “German Bend Leg
Barbie” because she came on the American Girl Body (marked
with the raised markings "©1958/Mattel, Inc./U.S.Patented U.S. Pat. Pend
Made In Japan"). She wore a
one-piece American Girl swim suit that had a striped top and turquoise bottom. But
she did have the same long pretty hair style that the U.S. twist n’ turn dolls
are so famous for.
There
are other dolls that look completely different.
The German Francie doll from 1972 is a perfect example. She looks nothing like any of the Francies
from the U.S.
A
slight variance could be found on the side part Bubblecut Barbie. This doll too
was not available in the U.S., but she is so similar to the U.S. version that many
people have a hard time determining whether they have a true side part doll.
The European Swirl Barbie
dolls came in a one-piece swim suit that was white with shiny gold stripes and had
a zipper in the back. It’s the identical swim suit you would see on the Fashion
Queen Barbie doll from the U.S., but without the turban hat. I think it is a much prettier suit than the one
piece red suit that the American Swirl and the later issue Ponytail and
Bubblecut Barbie’s are known for. My
brunette seems to have just a bit longer ponytail too.
Both versions (The
European and U.S.) have the same Barbie/Midge straight-leg body and body markings.
They both came in the same identical Barbie Box too.
You can
see more of these variations on my web site:
As my collection
grows each year, I’m hoping to acquire more of these beautiful dolls from
Europe and other faraway places. I hope
you find yourself with a few too!
Happy Hunting!
