How to Collect Gotz Dolls
The German company Gotz Puppenmanufaktur offers a wide range of art and play dolls including limited editions by top doll creators. Fans of Gotz like the dolls because of the artisan craftsmanship at reasonable prices. This guide will help you start a Gotz doll collection.
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Things You'll Need
- Gotz doll information
- List of Gotz doll retailers
- Doll price information
- Knowledge of good doll condition for second-hand dolls
- Display case
- Cool, dry, clean display and storage area
Instructions
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Research Gotz doll collections and availability. Gotz produces hand-crafted artist dolls, manufactured artist dolls (reproductions of original art dolls) and play dolls. Gotz also created a special edition line of dolls for the toy company Steiff. Look online at the manufacturer’s website and at doll collecting resources for current and past catalogs to view doll collections. Note the available dolls that interest you. Limited edition and retired dolls that are unavailable in stores may still be for sale online.
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Determine the type of Gotz doll to collect. Doll collections can focus on one doll type or a variety of dolls. Your budget may determine the type of Gotz doll to collect and the size of your collection. Handcrafted Gotz dolls are more expensive because of the original artistic detail and individuality of each toy. Manufactured artist dolls have quality artistic detail and design but cost less than handcrafted dolls because they are mass reproductions of an original artist doll. Play dolls are the most affordable Gotz collectible. Gotz play dolls are comparable to American Girl dolls in quality and design. All Gotz dolls are durable and hold up to rough play. Gotz play dolls are also machine washable.
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Create a list of Gotz doll retailers. Search for retailers in your area and within driving distance that carry Gotz toys. Call doll specialty shops throughout the nation because many will allow phone or mail orders. Look online for retail websites and doll artist websites that carry Gotz dolls. If you buy directly from the doll artist, request an autograph. The autograph increases the doll’s value. Websites that sell Gotz dolls include The Live and Learn, Doll Closet, Heirloom Sewing for Children and Absolutely Dolly.
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Compare prices. Decide how much you plan to spend on your doll collection. Shop around online and at local retailers for deals that save money on shipping or list price. Retailers often mark up limited edition and retired Gotz dolls. Keep in mind that online auctions are sometimes the most affordable way to buy vintage Gotz dolls.
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Recognize doll condition when you consider second-hand toys. Prior to purchase, examine the doll for signs of wear. A Gotz doll in excellent condition has secure limbs that move easily, rust-free eyes with eyelashes, shiny hair without tangles and no tears in the cloth body. Her vinyl face, limbs and cloth body are clean. Her clothes are free of holes and stains. The doll and clothes should not smell musty.
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Search resale shops and garage sales. Sometimes you can find a gently used Gotz doll in excellent condition at resale shops or garage sale. If you enjoy restoring dolls consider purchasing a Gotz doll that needs repair and restoring it.
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Consider placing an ad for a retired or rare Gotz doll. State the type of Gotz doll sought and your preferred price range. Place the ads in local newspapers and on auction websites and online doll collecting message boards.
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Protect your dolls from potential damage. Your dolls will stay in mint condition with gentle handling. Place dolls in display cases to minimize dust. Display or store dolls in a cool, dry room away from direct sunlight.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your Gotz doll with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners.
Use a doll stand to display your doll. The stand helps you pose the doll in upright positions.
Create a display with miniature scenes. Use doll furniture to pose your doll in action scenes such as riding a bike or drinking tea.
Never store a Gotz doll in a sealed plastic bin because it can attract mildew.
Do not blow dry a doll’s hair because the heat can melt the hair.
