Everything started to change when celluloid, an early form of plastic, was invented toward the middle of the 1800's.  Dolls no longer had to be breakable.


It isn't that they were built to be fragile on purpose of course.  There just weren't many options if you wanted a doll that could be given detailed features.

Celluloid dolls eventually were made throughout the world, and pretty much every kind of doll you can think of has been made of celluloid.  Celluloid is a plastic but it is different from what we think of today.  Where today's plastics can be left out in the rain and still survive quite well, celluloid was sensitive to moisture and showed the effects of being exposed to water.  It was also more prone to developing cracks and becoming discolored.

Dolls made of celluloid were very popular in the early 1900s and were a mainstay in the doll making business up until around the middle of the century.  After a while, many "cheap" dolls began to be made from celluloid.   As plastics go, celluloid dolls are rather easily damaged.

If you are looking for celluloid dolls to add to your collection, you will find that prices vary considerably.  Although sellers on eBay often ask for hundreds or even thousands of dollars for individual vintage or antique dolls, they do not always get what they want for their items.

A recent check of the celluloid dolls that actually sold on eBay reveals that the top prices paid were usually less than $150.  That was for antique examples in excellent condition.  Many dolls in less than excellent condition, but still quite nice sold for prices under $50.  You should use this as a reference if you enjoy visiting collectible doll shops.  It is easy enough to print out a copy of what is available online to take with you.  Print the details as well.  You may be able to use it to strike a bargain with the owner of the collectibles shop.  Of course, they might not be able to compete because they have much higher overhead costs than someone selling an individual doll from their home, but it is worth asking.  They might just be willing to make a deal with you.