Collecting Antique Dolls

Collecting Antique Dolls is a great hobby. Whether you are doing it for fun or eventually looking to make a profit from it, it is a great hobby. With literally thousands of dolls produced over the years you will never get bored. This hub has some tips about collecting Antique Dolls.

1. I suggest you just collect what you like. Don't collect for the sake of profit because you won't enjoy it. If you like antique dolls try and stay in this area. Stick with what you like, and both your interest and collection will grow.

2. Become educated. You need to be able to tell the difference between real antique dolls, good reproductions, and bad reproductions. Once you learn how to identify dolls, it will become much easier to make decisions on which dolls to buy and which ones to pass on.

3. You should set some goals. Do you want a small collection of rare exceptional dolls? Do you want a collection that is simply pleasing to look at? Are you going for quantity to fill a show room or parlor? Is this an investment or a hobby? Depending on your goals, your tactics for finding and collecting dolls will be as different as the types of dolls you can collect.

4. Garage sales and estate sales. Spend weekends visiting area sales. Even if you don't see dolls, ask. Many people would never think anybody would be interested in buying their dolls. It is also a good way to make connections. They many not have any dolls, but they may know someone who does.

5. Beware of overpricing. This goes along with being educated. Because doll collecting is becoming popular, some dealers think that if it is an old doll, it is worth a lot. A lot of bisque dolls look beautiful and valuable, but they were over produced, which makes them less valuable. Know what you are buying and it's value. Being aware of the tendency of some dealers to overprice. This will save you time, money and heartache.

6. Look at what you are buying. Look for rub marks, where some of the paint has been rubbed off, hairline cracks, chips, torn clothing, cracked leather bodies, or any other damage. Any of these things decrease the value of a doll. Many people believe a cracked bisque head is worthless, but if you are buying for pure aesthetics, this may be an inexpensive way to add to your collection.

7. Look for "diamonds in the rough." Many fine dolls are found in pieces. A knowledgeable doll doctor can repair minor problems for a reasonable fee. Your local doll shop can also assist you with appropriate clothing, eyes, wigs and bodies. So, if you find a beautiful head, you can salvage the majority of its value. Remember, 60% of the value is in the head on an antique doll.

8. Visit Good Will and other thrift shops. Many people donate valuable dolls and without realizing what they are giving away.

9. Doll shows. Going to shows is a good way to find dolls. You may not find many great deals, dealers at shows usually know what they have and what it is worth. Fortunately though, shows are a great place to learn. You can gain valuable information by seeing dolls in person. You can only learn so much from pictures in a book. In addition to learning what particular dolls look like, you will get a feeling for the market value of some of your favorite dolls.

10. Ask questions. Go to your local doll shop and ask questions, get appraisals done, and inquire about dolls that you have and want. Many doll collectors and dealers love talking dolls. You never know what you'll learn unless you ask.

11. Collect a variety. Try to avoid buying all one size or style of doll. A good doll collection has a variety of sizes, styles, ethnicity's and values. Buy small dolls to fill in gaps in showcases, baby dolls for that special child's cradle, and large dolls for a prominent showpiece. Dolls of different origins can also represent family heritage, and add special meaning to a collection.

12. Good reproductions. Many people love the style of antique dolls, but can't afford them. Buying good reproductions is an alternative that you may want to consider. Remember, dolls made today are the antiques of the future.