One of a number of lots of old store stock offered in this speciality sale, it was not just mint and boxed but mint, boxed and sealed in the carton. So as not to damage this unique 40-year-old survival, the auctioneers decided not to open it but instead to X-ray the contents to prove that the dozen pieces were present and intact. Accompanied by the ghostly image of a dozen perfectly preserved All-American girls, it sold for $2,938 (£1930), including 17.5 per cent buyer’s premium.
Barbies in aspic…
Setting new standards of perfection in a condition-conscious toy marketplace at Skinner’s of Boston Massachusetts on July 20 was an unopened 1962 Mattel shipping carton containing 12 New Fashion Queen Barbies.
