| As far as collecting is concerned, dolls are one of the | | | | and undergarments in keeping with the original dolls, |
| most popular items collected worldwide and antique | | | | can be bought for a fraction of the price.o Today's |
| dolls remain highly sought-after by discerning | | | | reproductions are made using a finer bisque than the |
| collectors. The enduring popularity of dolls is aptly | | | | originals.o A beautifully made and costumed |
| described by Pamela Sherer in 'A Century of Dolls': | | | | reproduction antique will remain highly collectable and, |
| "an antique doll, with its smooth bisque skin and | | | | depending on the mould, can appreciate in value |
| luminous eyes, has a direct appeal that skips right | | | | considerably.o The quality of the painting on some |
| past logic to lodge in the heart. It is this essential trick | | | | antique dolls can vary noticeably as many were |
| of the human mind, to find irresistible fascination in a | | | | outsourced to village workers where the painting was |
| face, that underlies our captivation with dolls down | | | | often performed on a production-line system where |
| through the millennia." | | | | different artists specialised in painting different |
| For many collectors, the French and German porcelain | | | | features.o Just as the antique dolls were highly valued |
| bisques of the late 1800s to early 1900s are the first | | | | when new and passed on down through the |
| choice. At that time the rivalry between the leading | | | | generations, a good quality, new reproduction can |
| manufacturers lead to the creation of what are | | | | likewise begin its journey down through generations |
| widely considered the most beautiful dolls ever made. | | | | of your family, starting with you. |
| Expensive even when new, the rarity of the best | | | | A great place to find the best reproduction dolls is at |
| dolls is reflected in their prices today, leading some | | | | doll shows, many of which include a competition |
| collectors to take a closer look at modern | | | | where doll artists present their best work to be |
| reproductions. | | | | scrutinised by experienced judges. Although most do |
| There are some interesting points to note when | | | | not sell their award-winning creations, you can expect |
| comparing the antiques to modern-day reproductions, | | | | all their dolls to be of a very high standard. For more |
| of which some collectors might not be fully aware.o | | | | information on antiques and reproductions you might |
| An antique Jumeau or Bru in excellent condition and | | | | like to visit the website listed below, where you will |
| wearing her original costume would sell in the tens of | | | | find exquisite dolls, plus a wide selection of books on |
| thousands of dollars. An authentically reproduced doll | | | | the subject, available to buy online. |
| by a skilled doll maker, wearing a hand-sewn costume | | | | |