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 Hi, I see you have answered a persons questioning about selling her kiddles in small groups or separately in order to get a price closer to the actual value. How can I find real information about my collection? I do not want to sell them but I don't have any other options right now. Thanks, Caroline
Answer The best I can recommend for assessing current market value is a scan of ebay winning bids for your comparable doll issues. Remember to also evaluate the condition of your dolls in comparison. Condition counts!
Ebay has a competitive auction format and worldwide accessibility, so it has set the market for many collectibles, including modern and vintage dolls. It would be the best place to see what you might realize at auction for your collection. Ebay and other online stores generally have a higher prices than those at auction and can give you an idea of what you could reasonably expect to charge at private sale. Try your local newspaper or little paper for advertising a private sale.
Or you can use any of the resources I listed in my earlier answer on Liddle Kiddle collecting. I'm sure other Liddle Kiddle aficionados would be interested in a collection going up for sale.
I'm sorry you are reluctant to sell and yet must. I hope you are remunerated well for your trouble.
