They started the age recommendation long before mattel bought the company. There was in 1990, and probably before that.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I know that.

"Accessory kits are historically accurate reproductions appropriate for children 8 and over" is on almost every page of the old PC catalogues. And the back of my Holiday 94, "They are quality pieces--not plastic playthings--and are made for children over eight years old to treasure."

I don't think there should have been an age recomendation then, either. I think it should have always said "As soon as a child is able to read the books on her own, she's ready for her first historical doll" or something alont those lines.

I don't think it was ever a matter of age, but understanding the differences between the time periods, and the items that go with each doll. Most kids really can't do that without reading the books, to show them the differences, and how important each of the accessory pieces was.