1984-87 Bob & Ken by Estrela Brazil - Something About The Boy

ESTRELA in Brazil introduced Ken as Bob, because Ken sounds very much like ‘who?’ in Portuguese, so was thought to be confusing for small children. In 1987 Estrela renamed their doll Ken. They were certainly prolific, and their Kens are my favorites of all the South American licensed versions. Some are variations of regular Kens, but many are unique. Estrela used the Superstar era head-mold until 1992. The information below is taken directly from period Estrela Barbie catalogues.

1984-86 THE BOB DOLLS

As far as I know, the Bob dolls were not given specific names. I only have the Tennis Bob. The other Bobs shown below are from the private collection of Sandrinha Cavalcante. Many thanks to Sandrinha for the use of the photos below.

BOB #10.53.00

1984-5 #10.53.00 Bob — 1984-85 #10.53.00 Bob (Calvante Collection Brazil)

From 1984 Estrela Barbie catalogue — From 1984 Brazilian Estrela Barbie catalogue

BOB #10.53.01

1984-5 #10.53.01 Bob — 1984-85 #10.53.01 Bob (Calvante Collection Brazil)

1984-85 #10.53.01 Bob in original packaging

BOB #10.53.02

1984-5 #10.53.02 Bob — 1984-85 #10.53.02 Bob (Calvante Collection Brazil)

BOB #10.53.03

1984 #105303 Bob — 1984-85 #10.53.03 Bob

1984-85 #10.53.03 Bob in original packaging

BOB #10.53.04

1984-5 #10.53.04 Bob — 1984-86 #10.53.04 Bob (Calvante Collection Brazil)

BOB #10.53.06

1984-6 #10.53.06 Bob — 1984-86 #10.53.06 Bob (Calvante Collection Brazil)

1984-86 #10.53.06 Bob in original packaging

1984-86 #10.53.06 Bob original packaging — Reverse of BOB packaging

1986 #105307 Bob — 1986 #10.53.07 Bob in original packaging

1986 #105308 Bob — 1986 #10.53.08 Bob in original packaging

1986 Reverse of Bob packaging by Estrela — Reverse of Barbie & BOB packaging

1986 #105309 Noivo Bob — 1986 #10.53.09 Bob in original packaging

1987 THE KENS

KEN SPORT #10.53.10

1987 #105310 Ken Sport — 1987 #10.53.10 Ken Sport

1987 #10.53.10 Ken Sport original packaging — Reverse of packaging

From 1987 Estrela No. 51 catalogue — From 1987 Brazilian Estrela No. 51 catalogue

KEN NOITE DE GALA #10.53.11

KEN ROQUEIRO #10.53.12

1987 #10.53.12 Ken Roqueiro in original packaging

1987 #10.53.12 Ken Roqueiro — Reverse of packaging

1984_Estrela_Bob_Ken_Markings — Identification: Estrela S.A. Ind. Brasileira Made in Brazil

Many thanks again to Sandrinha Cavalcante. Thanks also to the blog of Ana Caldatto, which has more information about Kens and Barbies produced by Estrela in Brazil:

http://anacaldatto.blogspot.com