About Anne Hoffmann Expertise As a modest collector of appropriately vintage age, I'm good at identifying American vintage dolls (largely late 1940's-1970's) and have the interest and resources to research particularly challenging identifications. I would hesitate to make specific value estimates, however, as markets fluctuate and I am not a professional appraiser. I can recommend at-home repair methods and resources for particular repair instructions and supplies. I can differentiate repairs that will enhance or devalue the historical significance of your doll.
Experience For one, I am 58 and a life-long doll lover. I played with many of these dolls! I am an adult collector, hampered only by my inability to afford the high-end and rare collectibles. I do some doll identification for sellers on eBay and am in demand for local yard sale and church pricing of doll "finds". I like folks to be able to realize a good return for their offerings by correctly identifying their dolls for collectors. I am highly literate and like people as well as dolls! I was briefy a customer service associate for JC Penney (one of those "filler" jobs) and enjoyed resolving issues to customer satisfaction. I am retired and spend a lot of time studying dolls. On the down side, while having an excellent command of the English language, I am a poor typist.
Education/Credentials None for doll collecting. I was a draftsman and machine programmer for an architectural metal firm.
Question I have inherited a Grace Putnam - Bye-Lo baby doll, from my Great- Grandmother. Itis 7in. in length head is 6in. in diameter. It has imprints in the joints of its legs/arms which are: R-leg 6-76, L-Leg: 20-16, I can not see the imprints in the arms. To my knowledge it has it's original gown, bonnet & cloth diaper. I have done some research, but haven't seen any with real mohair. My understanding is that makes it especially rare/valuable. I have several people who want to buy her, but I don't know what is an acceptable amount. I am really interested in selling her, but want a good/decent price for her. Can you help me, by giving me some helpful information? I would appreciate it. Thank you, Michelle Reed
Ctheclown@msn.com
Answer As there have been numerous Bye-Lo Baby issues since 1924 by several different makers, including many reproductions, I am going to refer you first to a good website detailing the history of these dolls: http://members.tripod.com/~LindaDahl/bye-lo.html.
Then, I urge you to have the doll professionally appraised, especially since the mohair wig does certainly increase the value for this doll over one of comparable make and condition.
Theriaults.com, the famous doll auction house, has appraisal services and debrasdoll.com and www.nadda.org are useful sites for finding a doll appraiser near you. Appraisals are usually done with the physical doll, not by correspondence. There is a small charge for appraisals, but are very well worth the cost if you are planning to sell and want to realize the best price for a doll.
I am not a professional appraiser and the information you provide does not give me enough to evaluate either her maker, construction, materials, clothing or condition. It would be difficult for me to absolutely determine by means of correspondence whether or not the doll is a reproduction issue of a type or an actual vintage doll.
Very generally, the larger -11" -22"- and older issues are going from between $100.00 and $350.00 in very good condition. A smaller doll would be probably under $100.000 at auction, but its maker and date, the mohair wig and its actual condition would add to its value, naturally.
Good luck and I hope you realize a worthy price on her.
