You’ve probably seen them at estate sales. Those stiff, elegant little figures tucked away in moth-eaten boxes, staring back with eyes that actually click shut when you lay them down. To the uninitiated, they’re just old toys. To a serious collector, 1960 Madame Alexander dolls represent a very specific, golden "sweet spot" in American toy history. It was a time when the company was transitioning from the hard plastics of the post-war era into the more durable, lifelike vinyls that defined the modern age. Honestly, if you find one with the original wrist tag today, you’ve basically found a small treasure.
Beatrice Alexander Behrman—the "Madame" herself—didn't just want to make toys. She wanted to make tiny pieces of high fashion. By 1960, her company was at the height of its creative powers. We're talking about a period where the craftsmanship involved hand-painted lashes and silk-lined coats. It was couture for kids. But why 1960 specifically? Because that year marks a fascinating intersection of the classic "doll-as-display-piece" and the newer, "doll-as-playmate" philosophy.
The Vinyl Revolution and the 1960 Madame Alexander Dolls
Materials matter. Before the late fifties, dolls were mostly composition (a mix of sawdust and glue) or hard plastic. Hard plastic was great, but it chipped. It cracked. It didn't feel like skin. By 1960, Madame Alexander had fully embraced vinyl for their most iconic lines. This change gave the 1960 Madame Alexander dolls a distinctive look. The faces were softer. The "blush" on their cheeks looked more natural, less like it was spray-painted on a mannequin.
Take the Cissy doll, for example. While she debuted a few years earlier, the 1960 iterations are some of the most sought-after because the fashion reflected the "Jackie O" era of sophistication. We’re talking pillbox hats and slim-fit suits. People often forget that Madame Alexander was the first to create "fashion dolls" with adult proportions, long before Barbie hit the scene in 1959. By 1960, Madame was fighting back against the Barbie craze by leaning into quality. She wasn't going to win on price, so she won on silk and lace.
It’s kinda wild to think about the labor that went into these. A single 1960-era outfit might have more seams and intricate closures than a human-sized dress from a department store. That’s why collectors get so obsessive about "original condition." If you find a 1960 Lissy or Cissette doll, and she’s missing her tiny pearl earrings, her value doesn't just dip—it dives.
Spotting the Real Deal: Labels and Markings
Identification is half the battle. You can’t just trust a pretty face. Most 1960 Madame Alexander dolls carry a specific stamp on the back of the neck or the upper back. Usually, it just says "Alexander" or "Madame Alexander." But the real gold standard is the clothing tag. Look for the "Alexander-Kins" label or the "Madame Alexander" woven tag inside the back seam of the dress. If that tag is missing, you’re looking at a "restored" or "married" doll, which basically means someone put an old doll in a newer dress.
Expert collectors like those at the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) often point out that the 1960s hair was another giveaway. It was rooted, not wigged. If you pull back the hair and see a mesh cap, it might be an older model. If you see the hair plugged directly into the vinyl scalp in neat rows? That’s the 1960s technique. It allowed for those elaborate beehives and bouffants that were so popular at the time.
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The "Big Three" of 1960: Cissette, Benny, and Wendy
If you’re looking to start a collection, or if you’re trying to figure out what’s in your grandmother’s attic, these are the heavy hitters from that specific year.
Cissette was the 10-inch version of the larger Cissy. In 1960, she was the "It Girl." She had a sophisticated wardrobe that mirrored high Parisian fashion. You'll find her in everything from elaborate floral gowns to simple "sleepy time" negligées. Her value usually hinges on her accessories. Did she keep her tiny high heels? Those things are notoriously easy to lose.
Wendy, or Wendy-Kins, represents the "child" doll. At 8 inches, she was portable and popular. By 1960, Wendy had hundreds of outfits. The 1960 Wendy is special because she often featured "bent-knee" walkers. You move her legs, and her head turns. It was high-tech for 1960.
Benny and Belindy are the rarer finds. These were the more "character" based dolls. Collectors often overlook the non-fashion dolls, but that's a mistake. The 1960 Portrait Series—dolls meant to look like famous paintings or historical figures—often command the highest prices at auction houses like Theriault's. They were produced in smaller batches. Less supply, more demand. Simple math.
Why Condition Is Everything (And Why You Should Be Worried About "Doll Disease")
Here is the thing nobody likes to talk about: "Sticky Skin."
Some 1960 Madame Alexander dolls were made with a specific vinyl formula that hasn't aged well. Over decades, the plasticizers—the chemicals that make the vinyl soft—can start to migrate to the surface. The doll feels tacky. It smells slightly like vinegar. It’s a literal heartbreak for collectors. While there are "cures" involving archival-grade powders, once a doll starts to break down chemically, it’s hard to stop.
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When you're buying, always ask: "Does the vinyl feel tacky?"
If the seller says "it just needs a light cleaning," run.
Another thing to check is the eyes. Madame Alexander used "sleep eyes" that close when the doll lies down. In the 1960 models, the metal weights inside the head can sometimes rust if they were stored in a damp basement. This causes "cloudy eye" or "frozen eye." A doll that can't look at you properly loses about 40% of its market value instantly.
The Market Reality: What Are They Actually Worth?
Don't believe every eBay listing you see. Just because someone asks for $2,000 doesn't mean they're getting it. Honestly, the market for 1960 Madame Alexander dolls is very stable, but it's picky.
- Common Wendy dolls: Usually go for $50 to $150 depending on the outfit.
- Mint-in-box (MIB) Cissette: Can easily clear $400 to $600.
- Rare Portrait Series: These are the ones that hit the $1,000+ mark.
The biggest value driver isn't the doll itself. It’s the box. That iconic pink or blue box with the Madame Alexander script? It can be worth $50 on its own. If you have the original tissue paper and the cardboard neck brace? You’re in the money. It sounds crazy to pay fifty bucks for a cardboard box, but in the world of high-end toy collecting, "provenance" and "original packaging" are king.
Avoiding the "Fakes" and Frankendolls
A "Frankendoll" is what collectors call a doll made of parts from different years. Maybe it's a 1960 body with a 1970s head, or a 1960 dress on a generic department store doll. To spot these, you have to look at the scale. Madame Alexander clothes were tailored specifically for their dolls' unique proportions. If a dress looks baggy or if the snaps don't quite line up, it’s a red flag.
Also, check the shoes. 1960s Alexander shoes usually have a very specific "fuzzy" bottom or a distinct plastic mold. If the doll is wearing "Made in China" plastic flats, she’s been tampered with. It doesn't mean she isn't pretty, but it means she isn't a $500 investment piece.
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Preservation: Keeping 1960 Alive
If you own one of these, for the love of all things holy, keep it out of the sun. UV light is the mortal enemy of 1960s vinyl. It bleaches the hair—turning lovely brunettes into weird, brassy oranges—and it turns the skin "ghost white."
- Store in a climate-controlled area. No attics (too hot) and no basements (too damp).
- Use acid-free tissue paper. Regular tissue paper has acid that will yellow the doll's clothes over time.
- Stand them up. Using a metal doll stand is fine, but make sure the "waist gripper" is padded. Bare metal can react with the vinyl over time and leave a permanent mark.
It’s about being a steward of history. These dolls survived the 1960s, the 70s, and the 80s. They’ve lived through decades of cultural shifts. Taking care of them isn't just about money; it's about preserving the craftsmanship of an era where things were actually built to last.
How to Start Your Collection the Right Way
Don't go out and buy ten dolls tomorrow. Start with one. Research the "1960 Alexander-Kins" catalog. There are some great reference books by authors like Patricia Smith that catalog every single outfit produced in that era. Knowledge is your best defense against overpaying.
Check local antique malls rather than just big auction sites. Sometimes, a booth owner won't realize they have a 1960 "First Lady" series doll and will price it like a generic toy. That’s where the real fun of the hobby lies—the hunt.
Actionable Insights for New Owners:
- Verify the Tag: Always check the interior back seam of the garment for the "Madame Alexander" woven label.
- The "Scent Test": If a doll smells like vinegar or strong chemicals, it has "sticky skin" disease. Avoid it.
- Focus on the "Sleep Eyes": Ensure they snap shut quickly and aren't "cloudy."
- Check for "Rooted" Hair: 1960 models should have hair plugged into the scalp, not a separate wig glued on.
- Invest in a Stand: Store your doll upright in a glass case to prevent dust buildup and "flat-back" hair.
By focusing on these specific technical details, you ensure that your 1960 Madame Alexander dolls remain not just nostalgic keepsakes, but legitimate assets. The 1960s were a turning point for the company, blending old-world artistry with new-world materials. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who just found a box in the garage, these dolls deserve a second look. They are, quite literally, fashion history you can hold in your hand.