Vintage Dolls

vintage dolls
By
Editor

Collecting vintage dolls is a great way to keep those childhood memories alive. It is also a way to preserve history, as beautiful dolls span the centuries. The first dolls were made of rags, with later dolls made with porcelain and bisque heads, legs and arms and cloth bodies. Modern dolls are manufactured using composite, plastic and vinyl. Whether you collect primitives or dolls manufactured recently, there are plenty of different dolls to choose from to add to your collection.

What Makes a Doll Collectible?

With so many vintage dolls on the market today, what makes a doll collectible?

  • Scarcity can make a doll collectible.
  • Popularity of the doll with collectors will also make a doll collectible.
  • Many collectors collect a particular doll because of the craftsmanship.
  • Some collectors choose dolls that were meaningful during their childhoods.
  • Other collectors focus on fashion clothing or materials used in the construction of the doll.

One collector who collects porcelain dolls may focus primarily on the manufacturers that produced dolls during the 1800s, while another chooses modern porcelain dolls by certain artists with certain themes or other details. A Barbie doll or Liddle Kiddle collector will concentre on dolls made by the manufacturer, Mattel.

For all collectors of vintage dolls, the most important aspect of doll collecting is quality. A good quality doll in excellent condition can command the highest price, while a similar doll in poor condition can be worth next to nothing. Original clothing and packaging will also increase the value of your doll.

Which Dolls Should You Collect?

Collect dolls that appeal to you personally, not necessarily dolls that appeal to the masses. Stick with collecting a few types of dolls at first, especially those that are special to you personally.

If you try to collect a wide variety of dolls too early, you may get frustrated adding hard-to-find items to your collection. As with any hobby, it is important to educate yourself about what you are collecting. Try to learn about the dolls so you can spot fraud or reproductions. Purchase or borrow books from the library on the dolls you want to collect so you can spot their identifying marks. This will help you save money by helping you spot authentic dolls.

How to Evaluate Your Doll

It can be difficult for new doll collectors to evaluate and price dolls. It is important to get a good price guide to help you identify and evaluate your doll.

  • A doll that is still in the box will be worth more than a doll that has obviously been played with and has rubs, cracks or missing accessories.
  • Dolls will be more valuable if they have all of the original parts, including clothing and accessories.
  • Compare your doll to the same doll in one of the price guides.
  • Compare your doll with dolls on eBay, Ruby Lane, and other online sources.

A price guide will often list the value of a doll still in the box. If your doll is not in the box, it is probably worth about 50% less than book value.

Where to Buy Collectible Dolls

Vintage and collectible dolls can be found at antique stores, doll shows, and many other local venues. Many collectors also like the convenience and extensive choices found when buying dolls on the Internet.

Vintage Dolls

Vintage Dolls has are area of eBay auctions where you can find collectible dolls but more importantly it is full of images and descriptions of vintage dolls. The dolls are divided into categories and the site is easy to navigate and very user friendly.

Dollyology

Dollyology features all vintage and antique dolls, specializing in those from the 1930s through 1950s. The dolls are intact, museum quality because the owner of the shop bought them to be used in research for a book she wrote. It is a unique little shop.

Dolls of Another Time

Dolls of Another Time carries vintage dolls and toys. The items are divided into a variety of categories to make it easy to find what you are looking for, and they feature a great selection.

Love What You Collect

Collecting vintage dolls can turn into a full-time hobby. Many enthusiasts spend endless hours at doll conventions and hunting for favorite dolls at antique stores. Always choose items because you love them, not as an investment. While certain dolls may go up in price, collections should be enjoyable above all. Your collection should make you smile when you walk by it. A doll collection is a passion that can be enjoyed for generations.

.