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Selecting and collecting vintage and antique dolls
The antique doll collectors biography continued, my take on selecting and collecting vintage and antique dolls
Okay, Folks, I may have listings up on eBay, I list dolls, doll clothes, and doll furniture.
Since I do have a tendency to rescue dolls that have only recently been retrieved from storage, attics, and basements...not all have been in presentable condition...and many in various parts. Assembling dolls is a breeze...if all of the parts are present.
I now try to stay away from dolls with missing appendages or major damage requiring complete restoration. If they have hairlines or crazing that is not too detracting...this is not a deterrent. These were, after all, children's toys. Stringing a doll is very simple and minor repair such as replacing glass eyes...either a teddy bear or doll...can easily be accomplished by locating a good parts supply.
For many, many years I have purchased my doll repair supplies from DollsPart.com. (no longer available). They also carry the much sought after hangers for displaying additional doll clothing and a miracle product called "Plastico Roc".
.What limited repair I have done on composition dolls has been simplified by the use of this product. Mostly due to the fact that "flesh" paint can be mixed with the product before repair or reconstruction of a small area...and does dry smoothly with the texture and hue very closely matching the area you are repairing. In future additional installments added regularly to this site...many very simple repair secrets will be related.
Acquisition of dolls has never been as simple and abundant as it is now. If you are in an area that has a swap meet, garage sales, or the local doll show your collection will flourish.
But even more so in this age of computer magic. We moved to Montana in 1996 from a heavily populated area where treasure hunting was frequent, and there was a constant flow of dolls and accessories. After six months I was having withdrawals...as dolls are not easily accessible here.
My husband, an expert at the computer, introduced me...computer illiterate...to eBay...and it has been a 7 day...24hour...ongoing doll show ever since. I have long since overcome the disappointment of being outbid on a chosen doll. If you don't win that one...many more are on the horizon!!!!!
Old dolls were children's playthings. Not created for collectors. Created for children to love. Their imperfections are badges of honor. Personally, I have never been attracted to "Mint in the Box" dolls.
True, I admire their beauty...but...you can't play with them! And I do play with my dolls. Through this web site...I hope to share some information...give new collectors a hopeful direction...and just have fun. Drop in often...as we will play here!!
One final quote from Madalaine Selfridge. "We will never know all there is to know about dolls."
Top of page antique doll collectors biography continued
eBay is an excellent website for "value" information about dolls, or most anything else for that matter--however, to see what something has sold for, registration is required, so if you are looking for past sales of any particular doll, please register.
Welcome Doll Lovers