Buying Online

Prior to the mid-1990s,buying Antique dolls was relegated to antiques shops, estate sales, flea markets, or mail order catalogs. Today, the options are endless thanks to the internet and websites like Ebay.com and Rubylane.com. It's possible to buy Antique dolls at terrific prices, but much research is needed before making a purchase!

(Photo of: Hallmark Puzzle Box)

The best advice, I could offer, is to never buy on impulse, look through listings, compare one doll to another, and ask questions. Many sellers are more than happy to answer, and some are willing to negotiate. Remember, this is a buyer's market, prices have fallen drastically on many types of dolls, especially, composition and vinyl dolls from the 1940's and '50's. Antique bisque dolls from the 19th century are commanding high prices, especially French bisque dolls, and German bisque "Character" dolls such as "Googly" and K&R children with pouty faces some of these rare examples can go for thousands of dollars. However, there are many fine German bisque dolls of the more "common" type such as "dolly-face" shoulderhead dolls, that can be obtained for very modest sums, some even in original clothing!

To be a savvy shopper, be prepared by reading books, go to museums look at original dolls so you know what to look for, study up on doll markings, be able to distinguish a "fake" from the real thing. When buying bisque dolls, it's very important to ask about breaks, cracks or hairline fractures in the bisque, request photos of the head with a black light, this will light up, and show damage through the head that may not be visible with the naked eye. most sellers will describe their dolls to the smallest detail and will usually disclose damage, but it's important to know that up to 75% of a doll's value is in the head! I f you find a doll and decide you want to bid or buy, always use PayPal to pay for your purchase, they have a "Buyer protection" service that will ensure you of a full refund if the doll you receive is not as described or you have any other problem related to the sale. Sites such as Rubylane.com have many Antique dolls for sale, and most of the sellers offer very flexible layaway plans, but an important thing to remember is that layaway payments are non-refundable so if you start a layaway, be absolutely certain you want the doll and will be able to make all payments on time! PayPal is also accepted at many shops on Rubylane.com so you can buy with confidence!

There are some collectors who don't want to buy from online auction sites, that’s not a problem nowadays, many Antique Doll dealers now have websites, one of them is Turn of the century antiques in Denver Colorado, they have a huge selection of quality Antique and vintage dolls for sale and have a layaway plan for some purchases and accept major credit cards. They usually guarantee the authenticity of their dolls and have years of experience. All in all, collecting Antique dolls can be a very rewarding hobby but always remember, buy the best you can afford, quality is much better than quantity, and buy what appeals to you, there are many different types of beautiful antique dolls to be had! Lastly, have fun and enjoy Dolls can provide many hours of pleasure and are of historic significance in the world of antiques. ~