Sensational Sindy! Super sales of vintage dolls at Staffordshire auctions

Next sale of Sindy and Barbie at Tamworth on Wednesday 28th May

DID you know that Sindy was almost named ‘Cindy’ but the spelling was changed for the purposes of trademarking?

The iconic British fashion doll was launched in September 1963 by Pedigree Dolls and Toys and took on the already established US Barbie by storm, becoming the UK’s best-selling toy in 1968 and 1970.

And she’s still popular today, as testified by a recent sale at Richard Winterton Auctioneers where a collection of more than 100 dolls – including a large number of Sindy figures – totalled £12,545.

“Every so often we come across comprehensive collections that just make step back and appreciate what some enthusiasts have amassed,” said auctioneer Ben Winterton.

“This was very much the case here and we had interest from bidders across the country and America on the day of the auction.

“We are now looking forward to our next sale focussing on Sindy and Barbie, which takes place on May 28.”

Highlights from the last auction included a boxed Marx Toys Sindy Gayle doll selling at £620, a boxed Pedigree Sindy western doll fetching £340 and a boxed Pedigree Sindy space fantasy selling at £280.

The collection featured figures, clothing and accessories from the 1960s to 2000s and included the rare 1982 McDonalds Sindy, Patch and Sindy’s boyfriend Paul.

As well as decades of Sindy and Barbie there were also celebrity dolls, US brands such as Ideal Crissy and Tammy’s Family, and dolls of Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin from cult 1960s TV show The Man From U.N.C.L.E., which totalled £230.

Sindy – with her distinctively spelled moniker – is still going strong and, with Barbie now a global multimedia sensation, expect continued interest at auction in original vintage examples of these iconic fashionistas.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers' next sale focussing on Sindy and Barbie takes place on May 28 at The Tamworth Auction Rooms.

If you have items to consign, specialist Jon Price will be offering valuations of Sindy and Barbie at The Tamworth Auction Rooms on Wednesdays April 2, 9, 16 and 30 by appointment between 10am-4pm each day – call 01827 217746 to book.

Jon will also be at The Auction Café on Wednesday, April 23, from 10am-12.30pm and then by appointment that afternoon at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park – call 01543 251081 to book.