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 how much do you think would be the approximate value of 13 inch and 21 inch bradley dolls that are approximately 25-30 years old? thanks!!
Answer I am assuming you mean the extravagantly-costumed stockinette-covered Bradley display dolls with exaggerated painted faces, rather than the porcelain collectible line of dolls. (Different Bradley.) These charming decorative dolls, sometimes fitted as lamp bases, as well on wooden stands, have incurred a renewed interest among some collectors. However, they still don't seem to show any remarkable appreciation in value. The 13" dolls seem to be going for around $20 and the larger dolls, $30 to a rare high of $50. This would be for an exceptional large doll in excellent condition, with stand and tags.
The Bradley dolls that would probably be worth a great deal more are the ones sold in the 1950's. (I remember them with fondness. Wish I had mine now!) Of course, you would have to have documented reference for its age in order to realize any greatly increased value.
A nice for Bradley doll review, including photos from a 1981-2 Bradley catalogue, is www.dollkind.com.
