Vintage Collectible Dolls - 4 Steps to Collecting Vintage Dolls

It seems most everyone is collecting something these days from antique cars to salt and pepper shakers, and doll collecting is one of the most popular. In fact, doll collecting is the second largest collectible category - stamp collecting is #1. Does that mean it's too late for you to get started with your collection? Of course not, but you do have to do a little more work to find vintage collectible dolls at bargain prices. There are 4 important steps you need to take to get your doll collecting off on the right foot.

1. What Kind of vintage collectible dolls are you going to collect?

Once you start looking, you are going to find there are hundreds of choices and you might want to narrow it down to few particular dolls. For instance, dolls made by a particular manufacturer such as Mattel, or cloth, wood, composition, plastic, or porcelain dolls are some of the possibilities. Another choice is to collect dolls by name like Barbie, Madame Alexander, Ginny, Crissy... Even then, some of these dolls can be narrowed down to a particular era, style, or character. Your decision may depend on how easy it is to find the particular dolls you want to collect.

2. Where do you find the vintage collectible dolls you want to collect?

During the 1970's and 1980's, it was pretty easy to find doll treasures at garage sales. And, because the sellers did not know they had a valuable collectible doll, you could get them for just a few dollars or even pennies. You may still find a special doll you are looking for at a garage sale, but with more people aware of their value, you are more likely to find them in vintage specialty shops and on the internet. Other good places to look are estate sales, flea markets, and auctions like eBay. Whether you are buying a doll you can see and touch or from a picture and description, always try to make sure the doll you are getting is authentic.

3. How do you know the vintage collectible dolls you are buying is original?

Sometimes it may be difficult to determine whether a doll is an original. You have to know what to look for, and there are books available with this information. Dolls will often have markings, on their back or neck, and may include the manufacturer and the year and country where it was manufactured. Another way to identify the dolls authenticity is to know the characteristics and original clothing of the particular doll. You also want a doll that has been taken care of and is in good condition.

4. How do you take care of your vintage collectible dolls?

Once you have your dolls, you will want to enjoy them and to continue to take very good care of them. If you are lucky enough to find a vintage doll in it's original clothing - keep it! Vintage dolls dressed in modern clothing are not as valuable as dolls that are all original. It is very important that you always keep your dolls away from sunlight or bright light of any kind for that matter. Not only does the light cause fading, it can also cause deterioration. A climate controlled room provides the best environment. Rooms that are too hot or too cold and rooms that are damp can cause dolls to mold, mildew, warp or crack. Storing dolls in plastic containers can also cause them to mold and mildew. The best way to store your dolls is usually inside a closed cabinet to prevent dust from collecting on them, possibly ruining their hair and clothes.

Above all, your doll collecting adventure should be fun. If you do your homework you will feel more confident with each doll you add to your collection. Take proper care of your vintage collectible dolls, and they should bring you as much joy as the little girls who loved them in the past.

To learn more about doll collecting and start your on adventure, check out my website: http://www.vintagecollectibledolls.com