Gabbigale Mute but Cute

Kenner's Gabbigale, 1972 (click image to enlarge)

After purchasing the first printing of Black Dolls an Identification and Value Guide 1820-1991 by Myla Perkins (Collector Books, 1992), I created an extensive mental wish list of black dolls that had to enter my collection.  They were needed for their historical significance or aesthetic appeal. 

Kenner's Gabbigale from 1972 (shown, described*, and valued in the scanned image from the updated-values version of Perkins' book, copyright 1995) was desired for her aesthetic appeal.  To find a black one, I knew, would probably be difficult, as most black play dolls do not survive the rigors of doll play.  But I remained hopeful.

I did not conduct an active search for Gabbigale, but each time I referred to Perkins' book for something else and happened upon page 180, I remembered, I want her.

During the latter part of April, I received a comment on a blog  from a reader attempting to sell her elderly mother's black doll collection.  After requesting and reviewing the list of dolls for sale and noting that Gabbigale was included, I immediately expressed interest in purchasing and asked for a picture.  The seller complied and I completed the transaction.

Gabbigale... at home at last.

Gabbigale arrived this week after a difficult travel experience and lots of anxiety on my part.  Some 18 years after adding Gabbi to my mental wish list and 39 years after Kenner made her, Gabbigale (who no longer talks) is finally home.  She's mute but still cute!

1972 J. C. Penney Catalogue page 459, courtesy of Bonnie Lewis

*Perkins described Gabbigale's dress color as "gold."  As verified in the above 1972 J. C. Penney Catalogue scan that only illustrates the white version, the doll's original dress is blue with red floral-print sleeves, neck trim, and matching panties. 
 
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