Tonner's Sindy Collection

Many were once wild about the original Sindy doll. That would be back in 1963 when Pedigree Dolls and Toys created her. She was a best-selling toy in the UK at the end of the 60's. Throughout the end of the 20th century through to the beginning of the 21st, there were several manufacturers who tried to bring Sindy back to her glory days. Looking back now, the fashions and the accessories were wonderful for the day. She had everything! As a child, I would have loved this doll and all of the goodies. There is a tremendous amount of play value in what I see here.

I've actually had a few pieces of Sindy furniture in my collection, namely the dining room, bedroom, living room and beach lounge. They are perfectly scaled for Fashion Royalty dolls.

Sindy was a wholesome-looking doll compared to most Barbie dolls and there's probably not a parent who boycotted a store due to any of the versions.

There are currently about 4000 listings on eBay under the worldwide search, "Sindy."

                Above, a favorite accessory, hot rollers.  Below, the indispensable stereo record player.

So, why is Robert Tonner doing Sindy? What does he have in mind? I can certainly see where well made furniture and accessories would be a hit with the 1/6 crowd. Tonner's furniture is always a success, well scaled for the doll and a sell out.
But what about the doll herself?

Cute? Check.
Wholesome? Check.
Well-attired? Check.

But why isn't she articulated? She's a reproduction but one can upgrade a reproduction to provide more play value.

This is the "Just Sindy Basic Doll" who is available at Cherished Friends (NJ store) for $59.99. I hate to say this but I can find a similar dolls in Target or Walmart for $19. I'm sure Tonner's Sindy is a fine quality - much better than a $19.99 doll but it's all about perceived value.

This is Sindy Summer Fun Dressed Doll who is also available at Cherished Friends for $84.99.

Are these fashion dolls or toys?  If they are toys, they're priced too high. If they're fashion dolls, I don't know where to go with that one.



I wish them luck.

Obsidian Culture Three Ways: Lots of Extra Fabric?

Integrity released photos of two new dolls Obsidian Culture dolls in the same exact outfits as the Couture Dolls, Inc. exclusive Hanne Erikson.

Here is the "exclusive" Hanne:

Here are her doppelgangers:

According to the announcement:

The new FR:16 collection was received to high praise by everyone and many of you expressed that they would have loved to see "Obsidian Culture" Hanne Erikson with a different hair style/color combo.

Really? Who writes this stuff?
This had to be planned long before people 'expressed' that opinion.
If I were a doll dealer with an exclusive, I'd be pretty pissed if the company put out competition before I sold off my stock.  Of course, I don't know the deal Couture Dolls had with Integrity Toys but IMO, it's not a great one.
When a dealer gets an exclusive, they pay for the entire lot. In this case it was 300 dolls.

Bad business.

Coming Soon From Kingdom Doll: Brunel

The next gorgeous doll from Kingdom is soon to be released.

The announcement:

We would like to officially introduce you all to Brunel the last doll to use the Novantae head sculpt. This is just a sneak peek at our NEW KD girl all her information will be coming in the next few weeks. So many of you have fallen in love with Novantae this year and you are probably wondering why we are retiring her after only four dolls. This head sculpt was only ever intended to represent the four seasons, Brunel representing Autumn/Fall.
Do not worry as Kingdom Doll is only getting started, with many plans already underway to delight you moving forward into the future!