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 My grandmother bought me an old baby doll(madane alexander)it is black with hard head but body is soft. The eyes move and it cries when moved. It has a blue and whit gingham outfit I think it is from the 50s or 60s. I cannot find one that is the same anywhere to estimate the value. will you help
Answer There are, of course, thousands of Madame Alexander dolls, and I haven't really enough detail as to the size and construction of your doll, but it seems that you may have a Madame Alexander Pussy Cat doll. The Pussy Cat baby doll has a stuffed cloth body, tagged, a vinyl head with rooted straight hair and vinyl limbs. The doll wears a blue or pink gingham dress tagged "Pussy Cat MADAME ALEXANDER New York, USA" and matching bloomers. The doll comes in 14"-18" sizes. Introduced in 1965, it is still retailed today. I am assuming your doll has some label or mark on the doll itself identifying it as a Madame Alexander. Check the back of the neck, as well as the body for identification markings. There may be a copyright date and/or issue date. The outfit should also have an MA label.
There are quite a few other MA baby dolls produced in a black version, including the 12" Huggums (full stuffed soft baby, vinyl head, sleep eyes, crier), My Bath Baby Baby Cuddles and My First Baby.
Value is determined by a combination of factors, these being, in order of importance: current interest, availability, condition and completeness.
The secondary market value of these dolls does not seem to be high at present, as they are still retailed. As they are play dolls, a doll may look older than it actually is. A doll may sometimes be dated by the markings on the doll and clothing and label design. Dark-skinned vintage dolls, having had a smaller release, are generally worth a little more.
Ebay has established the primary secondary market values for many collectibles, including vintage dolls, as it is available worldwide and has a competitive auction format.(For truly antique dolls, marked and unmarked, I would use a doll auction house like Theriaults for identification and appraisal.)
A nearly-mint condition MA Pussy Cat doll dressed, missing a bootie, with shop-worn, but complete original box is currently relisted on eBay at $24.99. Another, in pristine condition NRB (Never Removed from Box) is listed on an eBay store at $99.99. A slightly damaged but dressed doll, missing ribbons and booties, without box, is currently offered at a starting bid of $21.95 on eBay.
Since I haven't an exact identification or a photo of your doll, I suggest you check eBay listings under "Madame Alexander African American baby doll" for a match to your doll. Compare the condition and completeness of your doll to others of the same make. A ballpark value can be established by adding the amount of the winning bid and approximate shipping costs of a doll very similar in condition to your own.
Ultimately, the real value of your doll is what it is worth to you. A gift from your grandmother would carry a priceless sentimental value for generations of family members.
As a general postscript, I'd like to add that if you are appraising your collectibles for insurance purposes, there are many collectible insurance services online that will provide evaluation guidelines for coverage.
