The Elusive Quest for the Perfect Ken Doll: A Collector’s Dilemma

Introduction:

Collecting dolls is a passion that brings joy to many enthusiasts around the world. Whether it’s Barbie dolls, action figures, or rare collectibles, the hunt for that one missing piece can be both thrilling and frustrating. In this blog article, we will explore the common experience collectors face when they think they have found the perfect Ken doll, only to have it slip through their fingers at the last moment.

The Anticipation: The Perfect Ken

As a doll collector, you understand the excitement that comes with finding a specific doll you’ve been searching for. The anticipation builds up, imagining all the possibilities of showcasing it in your collection or featuring it in your next video. The thrill of finally getting your hands on that elusive Ken doll is unparalleled.

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Perfect Ken?

The Disappointment:

However, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes, even after finding what seems to be the perfect Ken doll, things don’t go as planned. The seller, who initially appeared responsive and eager to make the sale, suddenly becomes unresponsive. This unexpected turn of events can leave collectors feeling disappointed and frustrated. What to do in this situation?

The Collector’s Dilemma:

This scenario is not uncommon among collectors who actively hunt for rare and sought-after items. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from the initial exhilaration of finding the doll to the heart-wrenching disappointment when the seller disappears. The collector is left wondering what to do next, how to fill the void that was created by the lost opportunity.

Maybe the collector is wondering what went wrong. In some cases it’s good when the seller is not responding. You have often scammers especially when the perfect Ken or Barbie is hard to find. Using stolen pictures for their offers is a common problem collectors talk about again and again. Of course you can use marketplaces like ebay or less known ones for your dolls but usually the offers are overpriced.

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Maritime Ken, a perfect Ken?

In moments like these, it’s important for collectors to take a step back and evaluate their options. Here are a few suggestions on how to deal with the situation:

1. Patience is key: Give the seller some time to respond. They might have encountered unexpected circumstances that are preventing them from getting back to you promptly. Remember, everyone has their own schedule and commitments.

2. Communication is crucial: Reach out to the seller again, expressing your continued interest in the Ken doll. Politely inquire about the delay in communication and ask if there are any updates regarding the sale. Clear and respectful communication can often help resolve issues.

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Day to Night Ken, a perfect Ken?

3. Explore alternative sources: While it’s disappointing when a potential purchase falls through, it’s important not to lose hope. Keep searching through different platforms, such as online marketplaces, auction sites, or even local toy stores. Persistence can pay off in the end.

4. Connect with fellow collectors: Engaging with other collectors who share your passion can provide a sense of support and understanding. They might have valuable insights, suggestions, or even connections that could assist you in finding the Ken doll you desire.

Conclusion:

The journey of a collector is filled with highs and lows, and the experience of finding a Ken doll only to have it slip away is a common occurrence. Patience, communication, and perseverance are essential when facing such situations. Remember, the joy of collecting lies not only in the acquisition of the dolls but also in the thrill of the chase. So, keep searching, and who knows, the perfect Ken doll might just be waiting around the corner, ready to join your collection. If you want to read more about Ken read here https://somethingabouttheboy.com/ or

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Butterfly Prince Ken in Sea Holiday Ken outfit, a perfect Ken?

New dolls in my collection

I was recently asked about the new dolls in my collection by some viewers and that’s what this article is all about, new dolls in my collection.

As you probably know I don’t collect just for the reason of having a huge collection of dolls that are in bad condition. I’m specialized in Barbie dolls but I don’t collect every doll I find. I can’t do it because of lacking space. I try to buy only what I think is worth to be collected. Some of you may have another opinion. We don’t have any Goodwill here and we had no flea markets since the begin of Corona. Used toys are rather thrown away than being sold in a store. For used clothes it’s no problem but used toys are not common to be sold in any nationwide store chain. In big cities you sometimes have antique store but it is not the rule that you find anything there.

Sometimes you can find dolls on ebay but in most cases they are overpriced. Shopping is not the fun anymore it was when I started to buy there some 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then. The Francie you already saw in the last weeks here on my channel as a big restoration projects was indeed an ebay find. It was really a coincident to find one.

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That’s the Francie I’m talking about her

Her had some traces of the last 50 years and I restored her. You can find the video under this link https://youtu.be/9B-YvDwIKU4

It’s a very popular video on my channel. It’s worth to be seen. Anyway you can learn a lot in restoring a Francie doll. Francie is the cousin of Barbie and at the moment I really like to do videos with her. You can see this doll in the next weeks on my channel again since she’s not completely finished now. She still has a cut in her arm and she will get a replacement arm. This video will follow in the next weeks. So stay tuned in.

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Here’s one of the last steps in the last video. She had already gotten a repaint.

She was not the only doll I found. I also found 3 more dolls. In March I saw three male dolls for sale and purchased them. You know I’m a big fan of Ken but I only have a very few early pieces. That’s how these dolls came into my collection. I found #1 Ken, the very first one from 1961 and one edition from 1964/1965 I think. Both have straight legs, no knee joints. My Francie is also a straight leg doll. These dolls have the advantage that you don’t have any problems with green knees.

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Free Moving Curtis

Free Moving Curtis from the early 1970s is the only doll with knee joints and a sphere for being super sporty where humans have their stomache. I had no Curtis before and that was my chance to buy my very first Curtis. They are offered very seldom in Germany.

#1 Ken
#1 Ken

The #1 Ken got my attention because his flocked hair is still perfect. I don’t know if any girl ever played with him. He’s still looking perfect.

The last Ken I found is the following one. He had also a perfect painted hair. No missing paint is also hard to find. That’s why he also hopped in my shopping bag. All my other Kens from the early years are not perfect. The offer was too good to reject it.

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Late Straight Leg Ken, ca. 1963/1964