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 can i get value on a Seymour Mann connoisseur 'cindy' doll in box, great condition, dressed in white christmas outfit with poinsettias, and 1 Seymour Mann connoisseur 'Meg', dressed in Victorian style purple dress w/lace, no box, good condition.
Answer The best way to value your modern doll for resale is to check similar offerings on eBay. EBay has changed the collectible doll market and set the standard of pricing since it is available world-wide and the auction format makes pricing competitive. Compare date of issue, size, condition and accessories, including hangtags and box, of your doll to others of the same or similar issue. You ought to be able to estimate the current value to collectors by watching for the actual auction winning bid and factoring in the shipping cost. There is at present one "Cindy" Christmas doll, as you describe, offered at a discounted $63.75 as a buy-it-now on an eBay store.
The "Meg" doll is not currently listed on eBay, but comparison to the prices and salability of similar Seymour Mann dolls ought to give you a starting point in evaluating the current value of your doll. Please remember that doll values fluctuate according to popular demand and that the Seymour Mann dolls are not the same quality as "artist" porcelain dolls and appreciation, if any, will not be as steep.
