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FAQ: antique doll?

February 2nd, 2012 Posted in Antique Doll Tags: ,

Question by Stephanie B: antique doll?
I have a 1958 “Sweet Ann” Doll in semi-mint condition with the box.

Her dress has some tears. Part of one of her earrings is missing. And she doesn’t have the original hoop skirt or tiara that came with her.

After some cleaning up, I think she could be worth some money.

Can anyone help me in getting an appraisal?

Best answer:

Answer by Tiana
I think you should make an earing out of a metal that can bend and if you know how to sew you can sew her a new dress of stich up the torn up one.

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I would like to find an antique doll appraiser and doll hospital in the southern California area?

April 4th, 2011 Posted in Antique Doll Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Question by guitarstrummin: I would like to find an antique doll appraiser and doll hospital in the southern California area?
I have an antique doll, approximately 100 years old, which I would like to have appraised. I would also like to locate a doll hospital to have the eyes put back in place, they aren’t broke, just fell out of the socket and into the head. Any suggestions (southern California area) for an antique doll appraiser and/or doll hospital? The Antiques Road Show does not have a trip scheduled in California at this time.

Best answer:

Answer by suzanne a
I have a book called “Doll Directory ” A guide to U/S. Doll Museums By Katherine Witt. It list five places in California
Angels Attic 310-394-8331 S.Monica

others are in Platerville, Tarzana, Campbell. Tahoe City

I will say that if the eyes have fallen out and rolling around the head, the glass is very fragile, I think the doll should have what we call a pate under the wig, carefully lift the wig do not pull from the back with an exto knife cut around the circle pull up the pate and take the eyes out and wrap in soft tissue. If its broken save every scrap, because I can glue those eyes back to the full position, so most should be able to.

If you look on the back of the head there will be a mark maybe a mold number measure the doll. Then you can look up the dolls maker by the mold number and mark then cross reference it in the Blue Book of Doll values by Jan Foulk. Boarders carries those books stop by and have a cup of coffee and look up your doll and put the book back,

Hope this helps

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Why Antique Dolls are Popular Collectible Items

July 23rd, 2010 Posted in Antique Doll Tags: , , , ,

Why Antique Dolls are Popular Collectible Items

Antique Dolls are popular collectible items. They were a majority of liking of little girls and children. In olden days, children often played with these dolls by dressing and redressing them. The antique dolls have sometimes bodies worn out that are patched or re-patched. Antique dolls have to be handled with care and some of them can become really cute toys for kids who are still interested in playing with dolls.

It is difficult to purchase antique dolls over the internet. The modern dolls like the Barbie collection are easily available that are painted in a standard way, with standard manufactured clothing. Where as the antique dolls are unique with respect to their clothing and looks. Thus, it becomes necessary to have a personal look on the dolls before purchasing them. If you are a novice in case of antique dolls, then you must follow certain tips as follows;

The first thing that strikes the mind while starting to collect antique dolls is its condition. It is obvious that the body of the dolls can be worn out, with some patching work done. Replacement of body parts such as the eyes, wigs and other parts can be expensive and finding the appropriate clothing. Reproduction of clothes and shoes are widely available if an undressed doll is purchased. It is just that it is cheaper than the others are. For this, study of antique dolls in necessary, to properly shop for its accessories. Antique Doll Collector is a good magazine that has all the concerned details regarding the dolls and their dealers.

The prices for antique dolls have a good range, i.e. it can be purchased by anyone as the prices are equal to or less than current artist made dolls. Many of the German made dolls are in the range of 0 to 0.

While selecting antique dolls one should be careful of the hairline cracks and other imperfections. They can tend to increase in magnitude as days pass. It should be considered mainly if you have an expectation of re-selling it. However, minute damages are not visible when the dolls are at display. Therefore, before purchasing them a thorough scrutiny should follow.

Clothing, shoes and accessories are another section to concentrate. Try purchasing an original doll with its garments, shoes, hats and other stuffs. It can be expensive to look out for each accessory individually and it should suit the looks of the doll.

The inspection should cover all these tips along with some other important aspects such as
* Make use of lights and torch to inspect any cracks or damage. If possible, remove the wig and the pate and have a look at the head properly. Any dark patches may indicate restoration work, so avoid those dolls.
* Inspect the eyes if they have been reset. It should match the overall structure of the doll.
* See the integrity of the costumes, check for any moth holes on the fabric of the cloth.
* An important consideration for the overall value of the doll is, whether it has an appropriate body. The dealers very often keep changing the body parts to attract customers depending on their likings. So look out for it before buying the antique doll.
* Finally, just try to glance the overall doll and determine what its overall impression is. It can be considered by keeping the price tag in mind.

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