Like my newest Barbie Fashionista, this circa 1970s Uneeda fashion doll was also supposed to have arrived with a travel mate, an identical doll except for a straight hairstyle and clothing (see her head shot below). Their arrival was delayed by weeks before I contacted the seller regarding their whereabouts. Seller "thought" she had mailed the dolls but discovered the package had slid underneath the car seat (?). The package finally arrived, a bubble wrap mailer, containing only one doll!I inquired about the missing doll. Seller investigated and said the other doll could not be found (?). A refund to include the full amount of shipping was issued. There is no love lost because the one I received with curly hair is the one I really wanted anyway.
I have searched my doll reference books and various Uneeda Doll reference sites online for help in identifying the doll. As for now, I only know her as a circa 1970s Barbie competitor. The doll has distinct facial features of brown painted eyes with painted upper and lower eyelashes. She has an open/smiling mouth with separately molded teeth. The head markings are U.D. CO. INC. The back is marked UNEED ADOLL CO INC (the spacing is not off; "uneed adoll" is the way it is printed), which was the company's clever way of spelling "you need a doll"). A gold label is on the doll's lower back that reads "Made in China." Except for her twist and turn waist, she is not articulated. The head is a firm vinyl while the body is made of a thin plastic. Her round neck knob is molded onto her body for easy removal of the head. I believe the purple dress with center ruching is original to the doll. Underneath the dress, as illustrated, she wears white panties (something that is usually omitted on today's dolls).
After thoroughly washing the visible dirt from her face and body, I redressed the doll in a combination of Sparkle Girlz and Barbie fashion/shoes/accessory. It might be my imagination, but to me she looks happier now.
Any help leading to the doll's manufactured name will be greatly appreciated.
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| Head shot of the missing-in-action Uneeda doll friend |
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