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 4 very old porcelain doll they look to be from the 1800's. What should I do to find out more info about them.
Answer Porcelain dolls that old are rare and usually quite valuable. Your first step would be to examine the dolls for any manufacturers' markings. Such marks are usually incised or stamped on the back of the head, at the nape of the neck, or on the shoulder plate. It can be a name , a number or a symbol, or any combination. If the clothing is that old, it will be extremely fragile. Use great care in undressing to view a shoulder plate.
Look at the construction of the doll. What is the material of the body? Is it kid or cloth bodied? does it have porcelain limbs? Is it jointed? Is it all-bisque or composition over wood? A fine composition finish without any crazing can look deceptively like bisque. Composition over wood would be heavier than all-bisque.
Are the eyes painted or glass? Does it have fixed or sleep eyes? Does it have a wig? (No doll of that era would have rooted hair.)
If the dolls are marked, you can reference the marks by checking various manufacturers for that era listed on the home page of dollreference.com. Or you may contact this site for additional help.
Remember, there are a great many dolls made to look like antiques, many of which are unmarked popular collectibles.
If you are quite sure the dolls are very old, whether they are marked or not, you should contact a professional doll appraiser. The charge for appraisals is not great and absolutely necessary if you are valuing a doll that old for insurance purposes or sale.
Please contact Theriaults, listed at theriaults.com or check debrasdolls.com or nadda.org for an expert doll appraiser near you.
