Information on Collector Dolls

Japanese geisha collector doll

Dolls in one form or another have been in existence for thousands of years. People from around the world have traditionally used dolls as toys and for religious purposes. Collectors of antique and contemporary dolls delight in the acquisition of these treasures.

History

European dolls were popular during the 19th century.

French and German dolls were the most popular dolls in the Western world during the 19th century. Many famous doll-making companies, such as Mattel, famous for Barbie, launched in the early 20th century. Many antique dolls began as toys, but some companies also began to produce limited edition collector dolls.

Types

African cloth collector dolls

There are numerous types of collector dolls on the market today. Bisque dolls are a popular collectors item, popularized in France in the late 1800s. Porcelain dolls, also referred to as china dolls, are treasured by many. Cloth dolls or "rag dolls," made from all types of fabric, have been around for ages.

Auctions

People who love collecting dolls look for vintage and collectible dolls at auctions around the country. Such sites as eBay also have online auctions used by buyers and sellers alike. You can browse through pages of dolls from different eras and manufacturers.

References

• Collectors Weekly: Dolls Home
• 100 Auction Sites: 38 Top Doll Auction Sites

Resources

• The Antique Dolls Collectors Online Advisors