Are Antique Dolls the Right Choice for You?

Acquiring antique porcelain dolls or for that matter antique black dolls or even antique paper dolls is one of the most popular of all the collecting genres. Doll enthusiasts rarely pursue their hobby in a small way, often dedicating whole rooms in their homes - or for that matter the home itself - to the display of their treasures.

The Evolution of Dolls

A doll is a representation of a human being used by a child as a toy. Some of the earliest dolls have been found in Egyptian tombs dating to circa 2,000 BCE, more than four thousand years ago. Most antique dolls surviving today were manufactured before 1930 and after 1850, for example antique German dolls or porcelain antique dolls. An exception to this dating rule is the wooden "Queen Anne" dolls made in England in the 1730s. Today these extremely rare pieces, depending on condition, sell for anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000.

At roughly the same time in the 1870s papier mâché, wax, and bisque dolls began to be manufactured in Europe and the United States. The bisque dolls were the more elaborate of the two featuring heads made of unglazed porcelain. Because they were delicate antique bisque dolls have rarely survived in pristine condition. It is common to see these dolls sell from $500 to $2,000.

Fine China or Parian dolls from the 19th century were depictions of pretty women with fair skin and dark hair. The faces were either glazed or unglazed porcelain. Examples of these dolls in good condition are rare. It is far more common to see them with cracked or chipped faced. Depending on their condition, antique porcelain dolls can sell for as low as $300 up to the high four figures.

Toward the end of the 19th century doll makers who had previously made their figures in the image of adults began to craft representations of children and babies. The new dolls were an instant hit with children and their introduction marks a major turning point in doll making.

Although many antique dolls are quite valuable, many collectors choose pieces just because they like them - and that's perfectly alright. A collection should bring pleasure and satisfaction to the collector. But if you anticipate investing a reasonable amount of money in older, more valuable dolls, you need to learn as much about the object of your interest as possible.

Continue to: Before Purchasing or Collecting or Discovering Antique Dolls

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