How to Collect Kewpie Dolls

Kewpie dolls made their first appearance in 1912 and were the creation of Rosie O'Neill. They took the world by storm! Both modern and vintage Kewpies are highly collectible items.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Doll Clothes Knitting Patterns
• Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns
• Modern Kewpie Infant Soft Dolls
• Vintage Kewpie Dolls
• Kewpie And Doll Reference Books
• Doll Stand By Kaiser Mfg.
• Kewpie 1949 Anniversary Romper 8-inch By Effanbee
• Kewpie Memorabilia
• Doll Clothes

1. Research the Kewpie doll's history and the market for Kewpie dolls. Books on doll collecting, doll shows and Kewpie-related sites on the Internet are good places to begin.

2. Collect the Kewpie dolls that mean the most to you. Cherish your collection, no matter what its future monetary value may be.

3. Make sure that the original Kewpie dolls you purchase are authentic. Look for the name "O'Neill" on the foot of the doll and the red and gold paper heart on the chest. Kestner, Cameo, Jesco, Krueger and King are all names to look for in association with vintage Kewpies.

4. Join clubs and organizations devoted to doll collecting. Organizations such as the United Federation of Doll Clubs can provide you with information on collectible doll markets, doll-collecting strategies and other issues that concern doll collectors.

5. Attend doll conventions and shows. These gatherings are a great way to find out about the availability of vintage Kewpie dolls and memorabilia. You will also get a chance to meet other Kewpie doll aficionados and share tips on collecting and displaying your Kewpie dolls.

6. Consider purchasing vintage Kewpie dolls that need some restoration. These dolls will cost less to acquire and will allow you to add more vintage Kewpies to your collection. Do the restoration yourself or locate businesses that will do the work for you.

7. Add more recently manufactured Kewpie dolls to your collection. Effanbee's Anniversary Kewpie would be a perfect choice.

8. Look for unique dolls, such as cake toppers or carnival Kewpie dolls, to add to your collection.

9. Look for vintage Kewpie memorabilia to display alongside your vintage or modern Kewpies. Collector plates, dinnerware, ornaments, candles, post cards, charms and many other items were issued with the Kewpie likeness. Look for them at doll shows, collectibles shops and online auctions.

10. Include your family in your collecting endeavors. Make the selection of Kewpie dolls and accessories an activity in which the entire family can participate. Let your family participate in finding unique ways to display your Kewpie collection as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise caution when you purchase vintage dolls from individual sellers. Ask for a clear picture of the doll in question to get a better idea of its condition.

• Display your collection in a curio cabinet or on a mantelpiece. You can also showcase your different dolls by creating individual displays throughout your home.