Collecting antique dolls is a hobby that a great deal of women grow into or would like to if they had the time or and the money. A collection of antique dolls in a beautiful display case is a very attractive asset, but collecting antique dolls is not as easy as it might seem.
Well, to define that in the right manner, it depends what you would like the antique dolls for. As with any hobby that has the capability to make the collector money, it is not easy to get it correct, but if you merely want to enjoy your collection you will have an easier time of it.
Millions of women collect old dolls, but it is doubtful that any large number of them actually make any money out of their hobby, because you have to study and the professional competition is fierce. It is the same as collecting coins or stamps: you can have a beautiful collection of pretty commemorative stamps or coins that is worthless in monetary terms, because there were too many of that type or that year manufactured, whereas you could have a collection of a dozen dreary stamps worth a million.
Therefore, if you want to begin a collection of antique dolls, the first thing to do is visit the library and get out some books on the subject. If there are no illustrations, you can almost certainly find some photos on the Internet in order to afford identification easier.
One of the first things you require to acquaint yourself with is the names of the most famous manufacturers of dolls in the 150 years of the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. Learn the names of the firms, the names of the dolls and an average cost.
If you come across what you think is a good deal at a car boot or yard sale, do not be put off by a shabby appearance. lots of dolls lead a tough life, but they can be repaired fairly easily and there are many dolls' hospitals if you require expert help, advice or specialist parts like eyes or buttons. The original clothing can be repaired or replaced and the doll would still be valuable if it is rare, popular or sought after.
You know, some things are not particularly rare but are still costly because they capture the imagination of a lot of people. Baby Boomer toys from the Fifties and Early Sixties will almost certainly acquire this status when the Boomers retire and maybe begin a collection.
Look out for antiques fairs to help you gain more first hand knowledge. There are frequently specialized antiques fairs in fairly large towns and one sort of fair is antique toys, in which the section on antique dolls is certain to feature fairly prominently. It is very helpful to be able to see the dolls 'in the flesh' so to speak in order to know what you ought to be searching out for when browsing.
Books, photos and the Internet are useful resources, but there is no replacement for hands-on experience and talking with collectors and dealers who are fanatical about collecting antique dolls.
Well, to define that in the right manner, it depends what you would like the antique dolls for. As with any hobby that has the capability to make the collector money, it is not easy to get it correct, but if you merely want to enjoy your collection you will have an easier time of it.
Millions of women collect old dolls, but it is doubtful that any large number of them actually make any money out of their hobby, because you have to study and the professional competition is fierce. It is the same as collecting coins or stamps: you can have a beautiful collection of pretty commemorative stamps or coins that is worthless in monetary terms, because there were too many of that type or that year manufactured, whereas you could have a collection of a dozen dreary stamps worth a million.
Therefore, if you want to begin a collection of antique dolls, the first thing to do is visit the library and get out some books on the subject. If there are no illustrations, you can almost certainly find some photos on the Internet in order to afford identification easier.
One of the first things you require to acquaint yourself with is the names of the most famous manufacturers of dolls in the 150 years of the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. Learn the names of the firms, the names of the dolls and an average cost.
If you come across what you think is a good deal at a car boot or yard sale, do not be put off by a shabby appearance. lots of dolls lead a tough life, but they can be repaired fairly easily and there are many dolls' hospitals if you require expert help, advice or specialist parts like eyes or buttons. The original clothing can be repaired or replaced and the doll would still be valuable if it is rare, popular or sought after.
You know, some things are not particularly rare but are still costly because they capture the imagination of a lot of people. Baby Boomer toys from the Fifties and Early Sixties will almost certainly acquire this status when the Boomers retire and maybe begin a collection.
Look out for antiques fairs to help you gain more first hand knowledge. There are frequently specialized antiques fairs in fairly large towns and one sort of fair is antique toys, in which the section on antique dolls is certain to feature fairly prominently. It is very helpful to be able to see the dolls 'in the flesh' so to speak in order to know what you ought to be searching out for when browsing.
Books, photos and the Internet are useful resources, but there is no replacement for hands-on experience and talking with collectors and dealers who are fanatical about collecting antique dolls.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on a variety of topics, but is now involved with Silver Cross Dolls Prams. If you would like to know more, please go over to our web site at Doll Prams.
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