| Many people enjoy collecting vintage dolls for | | | | in the regional home-made types. |
| different reasons, not least of which is that it | | | | The main characteristic as far as most are concerned |
| reminds them of the ones they had as children. It | | | | is the overall appearance of the doll. The price that it |
| also gives you insight into history, just as stamp | | | | will bring relies heavily on this factor. An example of |
| collecting does, but dolls have a much longer history | | | | this would be that a nice looking antique Barbie would |
| than stamps. | | | | bring in a much higher price than a |
| Collectors can chose from a variety of vintage and | | | | not-so-good-looking one. Another factor that affects |
| modern dolls when building their collections. The older | | | | its value is whether or not it is being sold with its |
| vintage dolls were made with porcelain before the | | | | original clothing or packaging. One that comes with all |
| bisque variety was created. Later, they were made | | | | of its original clothing and packaging is always worth |
| with composite materials, vinyl, celluloid, china and | | | | so much more than one without these items. |
| plastic. | | | | Of course, more than anything else, you should focus |
| There are so many vintage dolls available in the | | | | collecting the ones which have some personal appeal |
| market these days, how do you know which is the | | | | to you. Your individuality and interests should be seen |
| better investment? First, you should know that | | | | in your collection, not those of other people. Initially, |
| scarcity sometimes may put one doll ahead of | | | | try to collect a few different examples of a particular |
| another in the collectible bracket. Popularity is another | | | | line such as Liddle Kiddles, Betty Boop, or G.I. Joe. If |
| factor which can increase its value. Barbie is a classic | | | | you aim to assemble too broad a variety early on, |
| example as these dolls are always very popular with | | | | you may become quickly frustrated as you will end |
| collectors with the more scarce ones being the most | | | | up accumulating the ones that really don't fit well into |
| valuable. | | | | your collection. But even if you do end up with some |
| Some enthusiasts specialize in certain styles of | | | | you no longer want, never fear. It's easy to now sell |
| craftsmanship in doll production while other collectors | | | | these to a fellow collector who would be thrilled to |
| are more interested in their clothing or particular | | | | acquire them using one of the online auction or |
| materials of construction. For example, one who | | | | classified ads websites. You can then reinvest that |
| collects porcelain examples will be after the vintage | | | | money into the thrill of seeking out more suitable |
| models produced during the 19th century. On the | | | | pieces. |
| other hand, a folk art collector will be very interested | | | | |