Vintage 1962 Mattel Barbie by Ponytail Black Vinyl Train Case Mirror Zipper

This wonderful original early 1960s Mattel Barbie by Ponytail carrying case features colorful graphics from Barbie’s early fashion era. The glossy black exterior is decorated with Barbie and fashionable shopping and travel scenes in pink, turquoise, yellow, white and green. The lower front is marked “by Ponytail,” with Mattel copyright information printed along the bottom.

The case has a structured rectangular train-case shape with rounded corners, a black carry handle and a metal zipper extending around the upper edge. Inside is the original cream-colored lining decorated with a repeating metallic starburst pattern. A rectangular vanity mirror is mounted inside the lid, and the original interior storage pocket is also present.

The case measures approximately 10 1/2 inches wide, 7 inches high and approximately 7 inches deep.

This is an authentic vintage Barbie case more than six decades old and retains substantial original character. The colorful front graphics remain attractive and immediately recognizable as an early Barbie collectible.

The exterior shows scratches, scuffs, creasing and areas of graphic loss from age and previous use. The top has noticeable rippling and distortion to the vinyl along with several areas where the decorative graphics have worn away. The handle remains attached, while the surrounding metal fittings and rivets show patina and oxidation. A small vintage gift sticker remains attached to the rear panel.

The metal zipper and track are intact and the zipper opens and closes. The cream interior shows staining and aging, with cracking and splitting to portions of the vinyl lining and interior pocket, particularly around the hinge area. The original mirror remains installed and shows spotting and deterioration to portions of the reflective surface.

Despite its vintage wear, this is an appealing surviving example of an early Mattel Barbie carrying case with strong period graphics, original interior, mirror, handle and zipper still present. It would make an excellent display piece alongside early Barbie dolls, clothing and accessories from the Ponytail era.