Antique Dolls

Dolls created before 1930 are considered antique. Although for some collectors, only the pre-1930 bisque, china, papier mache, wood and wax dolls are considered antique.

The number one thing to be aware of when you start collecting antique dolls is that these dolls were owned and played with by little girls in their era. They could be missing eyes and other body parts. It would be good if you know how to sew because you may have to make some repairs. A lot of the antique dolls available today often come without their original clothes, so some research will have to be done to find out what type of clothing a certain doll might have been wearing when it was originally purchased as a gift for a little girl many years ago. While you are studying the outfits for such dolls, you should also review the worth of them, so you don’t end up paying more money than you should.

The experts usually advise to stay away from dolls that have imperfections or cracks. Antique dolls that have damage will be much more difficult to sell in the future. If you are not planning to sell your doll collection, then buying what you like at a reasonable price, would be the best idea since the damage on most dolls is not noticeable when it is on display.

Since most of the antique dolls that are being sold these days are very expensive, you may want to just collect the accessories. Their shoes and pieces of clothing can be put on other dolls that you may have. Although, the accessories for some dolls can also be very expensive, keep that in mind when choosing a particular doll. Some shoes for certain German and French bisque antique dolls could run you over $100 per pair.

Just remember, when purchasing antique dolls, it is best to see them beforehand. Buying antique dolls on the internet is not advised because you really can’t see or judge the real condition of a doll. You should personally inspect all dolls you are looking to buy since you will be paying top dollar for any doll that is in good condition.

When we think of antique dolls, we think of china, porcelain and bisque dolls. They are not the only collectibles out there. Don’t forget Barbie and Skipper. A mint Barbie doll in its original box is going for $700 +. Don’t you wish you had saved all your childhood dolls?