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.
Doll Collecting - Prices on Madem Alexander Dolls from the 70's
Expert: Anne Hoffmann - 1/14/2008
Question I would like to know if you could tell me or (direct me) what some of my dolls are worth.
Answer Madame Alexander dolls are a high-end commercial manufacture, so, despite a recent dip in secondary market prices, generally retain good value over the years. Of course, there a hundreds of MA issues and values may vary widely according to market interest in one issue over another. 1970's dolls are not yet truly vintage, although the children that remember these dolls new are now adults.
Secondary market values are based primarily on current interest, then condition, rarity, age or historical importance and originality.
The best place to assess current trends is on ebay, as it reaches a world-wide market and has a competitive auction format. Stores, including online stores, often charge appreciably more than the winning bids at auction. Other online auctions useful in placing doll values are Proxibid and Kovals.
There are quite a few doll value reference books for MA dolls, which are useful guides, particularly for less well-known dolls. A partial list of some more recent MA value reference books can be viewed at: http://www.bamagal.com/alexdolls/books.htm
Remember, values fluctuate according to current interest, so it is not possible to affix a realistic current value to an out-dated earlier book value by simply adding an amount to cover inflation. Also bear in mind that condition, including original or contemporary clothing and accessories, is of primary importance in comparative valuation. Book values, unless otherwise stated, are for the best known example of a particular doll.
Madame Alexander has a website and a responsive customer service helpful in identifying MA dolls, but they do not do appraisals. They may, however, be able to suggest sources for reliable MA doll appraisals.
You may want to consider having your dolls professionally appraised, especially for insurance purposes. 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. There is a small charge for appraisals, but may be very well worth the cost if you are planning to sell and want to realize the best price for each doll. Many insurance companies require a written appraisal for collectibles such as dolls. Check with your agent or insurance company for individual requirements.
If you are simply curious as to the values for your own interest, do watch the ebay auctions over a period of time. It may take a while before an exact match to one of your dolls comes up for auction, but you can get a perspective on values for issues within the same era in the meantime.
