Antique Dolls

A Beginner’s Guide to Antique Dolls Collecting

Antique dolls collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. It’s a fun and rewarding hobby, as well as a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Starting an antique dolls collection is easy if you just spend a little time learning about the hobby.

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide what types of antique dolls you would like to collect. There are over a dozen different basic types of dolls that are popular with collectors. These include: artist dolls, baby dolls, cloth dolls, ethnic dolls, fashion dolls, fifties dolls, miniature dolls, sixties and seventies dolls, and wooden dolls.

Antique dolls made by certain companies are also highly collectible. Some of the most popular ones that you may want to consider are: American Girls, Barbie dolls, Bru dolls, Dawn dolls, Chatty Cathy, Chrissy dolls, Ginny dolls, Little Kiddies, Madame Alexander dolls, Miss Revlon dolls, Jumeau dolls, Shirley Temple dolls and Vogue dolls.

While you can collect any type of antique dolls that you prefer, it’s a good idea to choose your favorite genre of dolls and learn everything you can about them while building your collection. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to add your most desired dolls to your collection without overspending.

The second step in doll collecting is - learn more! Once you’ve researched the type of doll you want to collect, you’ll want to learn more about antique dolls in general. One of the first places to start is by learning about the various materials they’re made of. Bisque, an unglazed porcelain; celluloid, a thin type of highly flammable plastic; and composition, a wood, pulp, sawdust and glue mixture, are all common materials used in antique doll-making. Learning about these materials will help you identify the time period in which certain dolls were made, and eventually, how to spot a fake from an authentic antique.

Doll features are also very helpful in identifying certain antique dolls. Take the time to learn a little about various features of antique dolls such as mohair wigs, googly eyes, and ball joints. If you plan on collecting dolls, it’s well worth the time to learn about features of dolls in different time periods.

Yes, but how do I find antique dolls?

Finally, you come to the most enjoyable part of collecting dolls - finding them! Specialty doll dealers are a great place to start. You won’t find the lowest prices, but you will find quality dolls and a great deal of information. One advantage in purchasing from an antique doll dealer is that you are able to verify that they are honest and knowledgeable just by asking around.

Auctions are another great source for antique dolls. You never know just what you’ll find and you may be able to get a great price. Or you may experience the thrill of outbidding another hopeful buyer.

Doll shows are one of the most enjoyable places to search for antique dolls. You can easily shop and compare, chat with other doll collectors, and learn a lot about your favorite kind of doll.

Last, but certainly not least, scour flea markets and yard sales. This is where your knowledge about antique dolls will really come into play. The possibility of an amazing deal is always out there, you just have to keep your eyes wide open.

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About The Author:

Tammy Gray-Searles is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.