Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Silkstone Palm Beach Line has Production Issues

This information was posted in three separate posts by BCLizG on the Modern Forum:

"Thank you for all of the comments and questions on the Palm Beach line. We take all of our collector feedback very seriously and discuss every issue with a global team from our headquarters in El Segundo to our manufacturing facilities in Asia.
Because we do take every comment so seriously, we like to review thouroughly so we can give a full and accurate update. Sometimes, that means it takes us a few days.
Yes, the Palm Beach Bathing suit doll is slightly larger than some retired dolls in the BFMC line. This is due to normal manufacturing variances. All of the dolls in the Palm Beach line will be of a similiar size.
Secondly, the Palm Beach Breeze legs are further apart than our spec, and we are working withour maufacturing teams to correct.
I want to assure you that our teams hold quality as our highest commitment, and are deeply concerned when we see these types of variances. "
.....
"We do not expect the other 2010 Silkstone dolls to have a size variance. I will put together a special preview with photos of production dolls in advance of the on-sale date.
We will not offer a replacement doll program for the Breeze doll. Mattel does stand behind quality product so if you have individual concerns, please call the number listed on the packaging. "
........
"We will not offer a replacement doll program for the Breeze doll. Mattel does stand behind quality product so if you have individual concerns, please call the number listed on the packaging.
If you have any concerns about your doll, please call customer service, or the number that is listed on your package invoice. Thanks Liz. "

I did not notice a problem with my Palm Beach Honey.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Vinyl dolls - Furga Italy



In addition to my collection of composition and hard plastic dolls from the 1920's - 1950's, I have a few modern era, or "vinyl era" dolls as I like to refer to them. I wasn't going to collect any, but there are a few that have been irresistible for one reason or another.

The first on the list are my two Furga dolls. Furga was an Italian doll manufacturer that started up in the 1870's and is still in existence today. The earliest dolls were made of papier maché and had wax masque faces. Dolls are of a good quality, with many surviving decades. Most doll collectors are familiar with vinyl Furga dolls made in the 1960's and '70's, but Furga also made felt, hard plastic and composition dolls.

I have two Furga "Lady" dolls made circa 1968 - 1971. They have hard vinyl heads and arms, and hard plastic bodies. Both dolls are marked Furga Italy, stand about 14 inches tall and come dressed in period costumes. One doll has high button up boots molded to her feet. Both dolls have soft rooted hair. It almost feels like real hair, but is a fine synthetic. The brunette doll wears an original Furga tagged outfit, while the blonde wears a replacement. The remarkable thing about the dolls made during this period are their beautiful cupid's bow mouths, and eyes with long lashes.

One of Furga's biggest successes were their Alta Moda line of fashion dolls. These 17 inch dolls have long eyelashes, long rooted hair, come with "Mod" outfits and accessories, and usually fetch high prices in auctions. They have the typical beautiful Furga face with cupid bow mouths. [note: some of this information has been corrected.]

If you collect vinyl dolls, a Furga doll would be a great addition. Dolls still in tagged original costumes will fetch the biggest prices.

Vinyl dolls - Furga Italy



In addition to my collection of composition and hard plastic dolls from the 1920's - 1950's, I have a few modern era, or "vinyl era" dolls as I like to refer to them. I wasn't going to collect any, but there are a few that have been irresistible for one reason or another.

The first on the list are my two Furga dolls. Furga was an Italian doll manufacturer that started up in the 1870's and is still in existence today. The earliest dolls were made of papier maché and had wax masque faces. Dolls are of a good quality, with many surviving decades. Most doll collectors are familiar with vinyl Furga dolls made in the 1960's and '70's, but Furga also made felt, hard plastic and composition dolls.

I have two Furga "Lady" dolls made circa 1968 - 1971. They have hard vinyl heads and arms, and hard plastic bodies. Both dolls are marked Furga Italy, stand about 14 inches tall and come dressed in period costumes. One doll has high button up boots molded to her feet. Both dolls have soft rooted hair. It almost feels like real hair, but is a fine synthetic. The brunette doll wears an original Furga tagged outfit, while the blonde wears a replacement. The remarkable thing about the dolls made during this period are their beautiful cupid's bow mouths, and eyes with long lashes.

One of Furga's biggest successes were their Alta Moda line of fashion dolls. These 17 inch dolls have long eyelashes, long rooted hair, come with "Mod" outfits and accessories, and usually fetch high prices in auctions. They have the typical beautiful Furga face with cupid bow mouths. [note: some of this information has been corrected.]

If you collect vinyl dolls, a Furga doll would be a great addition. Dolls still in tagged original costumes will fetch the biggest prices.