How to Collect Troll Dolls

Trolls have been part of folklore forever, and the miniature replicas were first produced in the 1950s. Troll dolls can be funny, mean, fat, skinny or cute. Some are animals, some are people. Some are big and some are small. You'll find a large variety of troll dolls, making it easy to get hooked on collecting the unusual little dolls.

Instructions

1. Buy troll dolls made by Dam Things of Denmark, if you are lucky enough to find them. Trolls created by Thomas Dam are the most valuable trolls because of their originality, quality and solid construction. Some Dam Trolls, such as the Dam animal trolls, black trolls and two-headed trolls are rare and can be worth hundreds of dollars if the body, hair, and clothing are in good condition. They will usually have "Dam Things" marked somewhere their bodies, often the feet.

2. Recognize Reisler trolls by their horns and tails, and by the Reisler mark on their left feet. Made in Denmark, Reisler trolls are not as valuable as Dam Trolls; however, certain Reisler trolls can be worth several hundred dollars.

3. Watch for Nyform trolls. Nyform trolls were handmade in Norway, a creation of artist Bjorn Schulze. In appearance, they are true to Norwegian folklore. Keep Nyform trolls in the dark, because the latex often cracks in direct sunlight. Some rare Nyform trolls in mint condition can be worth over $500. The larger Nyform trolls at more than 12 inches are most valuable.

4. Look for Wishnik trolls by Uneeda. Most Wishnik trolls have a horseshoe mark on their feet or have "Uneeda" marked somewhere on their bodies. While fun to collect and relatively easy to locate, Wishnik trolls aren't highly valuable, often worth only a few dollars.

5. Stock up on some fun and friendly trolls by Russ or some Treasure Trolls mady by Ace Novelty Co. Russ Rolls and Treasure Trolls aren't valuable now, but they are new and plentiful, making them an inexpensive item for the novice collector. In time, their value could appreciate.