How to Buy Antique Dolls

Do you disdain Baby Go Bye-Bye and other soulless synthetic wonders of the modern world in favor of the lustrous porcelain faces, kid bodies and natural-hair wigs of antique dolls? Here's how to become a collector.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Amish Dolls
• Effanbee 1949 Kewpie Doll
• Madame Alexander Wizard Of Oz Doll Collections
• Antique Or Vintage Infant Soft Dolls
• Doll Collector's Cases
• Doll Collector's Display Boxes
• Vintage Barbie Dolls

1. Familiarize yourself with the basic vocabulary of dolls and doll making: porcelain, china, composition, cloth, vinyl, plastic and papier-mâché are terms you should know and understand.

2. Decide which dolls really interest you. Antique bisque dolls or the "vintage" composition and hard plastic dolls of the '40s and '50s? Madame Alexander dolls or the Wizard of Oz series made by Effanbee? Shirley Temples or Kewpies?

3. Learn how collectors value dolls. Prices vary based on area, originality and popularity, but certain things - condition, visibility of maker's mark - are pretty standard. Many books and magazines can help you understand these criteria.

4. Consider the financial side of collecting. Doll collecting is an established hobby - for some it's a vocation. You'll find hobby groups, national associations and magazines devoted to the subject.

5. Accept that doll prices and values are usually definitively set by experts; costs can be high. It's fine to collect simply because you love dolls - but if you've got an eye on future values, you'll want to look before you leap.