| |
|
 | |  | High: Antique Dolls can run $20-$500, and can cost many thousands of dollars | |
|
Dolls, doll clothes and doll accessories reflect the time, culture and society in which they were created. From 1880s France to Native American traditions to Mattel's factories, dolls have been constructed out of a wide variety of materials, ranging from rags to fine cloth, from porcelain to hard plastic or high quality vinyl and more. A doll collection may evoke fond memories, be beautiful to look at or simply be fun to own.
Typical costs: | - The value of a doll is based on its age, condition, outfit and desirability. . Original clothing both makes a doll more attractive and more valuable. Although some people purchase brand-new dolls in hopes that they'll eventually become collectible, generally collections are made up of older dolls that are no longer being manufactured.
- Many antique bisque dolls (commonly but incorrectly called porcelain dolls) sell for $20-$500 depending on rarity and construction materials, but can be $1,000-$10,000 or more, and a few have sold for $50,000-$200,000 or more. Cheaply made bisque dolls from China sell for $2-$10, even in pristine condition.
- Vintage Barbie dolls can be worth $100-$800 or more if they're in pristine condition with their original outfits and accessories, but a missing necklace, shoe or other item can drop the price $100-$200 or more. "Played with" dolls are worth considerably less than those in "mint" condition, and (like many collectibles) some models are more valuable than others.
- Any type of doll can be collected, and many books describe (and price) some of the most popular collectible dolls[1] , from baby dolls to Kewpie dolls and more. The books average $10-$30, but can run $50-$100 or more, and may be available in local libraries.
- Often there's a nominal admission fee ($5-$15) for collectors to attend doll conventions or shows. These offer an opportunity to hear presentations on varied aspects of doll collecting, see a wide range of dolls for sale, and meet other collectors who share an interest in a particular doll.
- Overall, a typical collector might spend anywhere from $40-$400 a month on this hobby, according to a spokeswoman for the United Federation of Doll Clubs.
Related articles: Quilting, Scrapbooking, Knitting and Crocheting, Stamp Collecting
| |
What should be included: | - Any type of doll can be collected -- it all depends on which ones you enjoy. Decide what you like and learn as much about it as possible -- where and when it was made, which models are common and which ones are scarce, etc.
- The Antique Dolls Collectors Online Advisors offer detailed descriptions and pictures of a wide range of both antique and contemporary collectible dolls[2] . And from acid-free tissue to a watermelon mouth, DollInfo.com lists doll-collecting terms[3] .
- ExpertVillage.com offers a series of videos about beginning a doll collection[4] and DollInfo.com answers frequently asked doll questions[5] .
Additional costs: | - If interest in a particular doll drops off, a collection may actually drop in value. The No. 4 Ponytail Barbie was worth about $400 in 1999, and about $300 in 2008. If cared for properly, antique dolls generally hold their value, although they don't necessarily appreciate over time. Generally, collectors choose dolls because they enjoy them and like looking at them, not as an investment.
Discounts: | - Garage/estate sales and thrift shops are potential low-cost sources of collectible dolls. Also, ask friends and family members if they have any dolls tucked away.
Shopping for doll collecting: | - Details about upcoming doll conventions and shows are listed at FacetsByMarcia.com[6] and DollShow.com.
- To connect with other doll collectors, contact your regional chapter of the United Federation of Doll Clubs, which also posts a calendar of doll club events and conventions[7] .
|
| |
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: FormerCollector in Winnipeg, Other. | Posted: January 29th, 2012 11:01AM |
Why has there been such a drop in price of Ashton Drake, etc., collectors' dolls? We had difficulty finding one years ago and paid close to $500. and now they're all over the internet at less than $100. That seems to be a typical story regarding other Ashton Drake dolls as well. Is it the vast availability online that has caused the drop? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
External Resources: | - www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/105-3124886-3410828?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&fie...
- www.antiquedolls-collectors-onlineadvisors.com/
- www.dollinfo.com/dollese.htm
- www.ehow.com/videos-on_5947_antiques_-collect-antique-dolls.html
- www.dollinfo.com/faqs.htm
- www.facetsbymarcia.com/convinfo.htm
- www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/statusmessage.php
More Recreation & Activities Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
|
| |
| Today's Featured Cost Articles |
|
|
|
|
Post
