Posts Tagged ‘dolls’

Reborn Baby Dolls|Reborn Doll

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Newer Dolls, Reborn Baby Dolls

Although this site is mainly about vintage dolls, I still have quite an interest in modern dolls, so I've decided to include them in the mix here as well as they catch my eye.  To say that reborn baby dolls caught my eye would be quite an understatement.  Reborn dolls are simply amazing.


If you have an interest in dolls, you have probably seen these unbelievably realistic dolls before.  If not in person, then online.  Who knows, you may have seen one in person and just assumed that it was a live baby that happened to be taking a nap.  They look THAT lifelike.
Reborn doll baby boy Benjaminwas Elly Knoops Luca
Reborn doll baby boy Benjaminwas Elly Knoops Luca
Paypal   US $377.00 		Nico Legler reborn baby boy doll RENAISSANCE BABIES
Nico Legler reborn baby boy doll RENAISSANCE BABIES
Paypal   US $376.73 		JOJOS NURSERY Reborn baby doll Ariella by Reva Schick
JOJOS NURSERY Reborn baby doll Ariella by Reva Schick
Paypal   US $542.48
Pat Moulton Tabatha Reborn OOAK Newborn Boy Doll
Pat Moulton Tabatha Reborn OOAK Newborn Boy Doll
Paypal   US $499.95 		AWENDYS BABIES REBORN SO REAL BABY GIRL DOLL
AWENDYS BABIES REBORN SO REAL BABY GIRL DOLL
Paypal   US $768.52 		Dollymixtures Reborn adorable newborn baby girl doll
Dollymixtures Reborn adorable newborn baby girl doll
Paypal   US $287.82
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To be honest, I do not own one of these dolls.  I frequently go to eBay just to check them out however.  There is something almost hypnotic about looking at them.  Some look more authentic than others, and that is most likely related to the skill of the particular artist who created the doll, but some of the photos could easily pass as real newborn photographs.

Reborn baby dolls are sometimes called "fake babies".  These are not something that you will find in the aisles of your local toy store.  These are created by extremely talented artists who use a variety of methods to add amazing details all the way down to mottled skin color and capillaries in the skin.  Hair is sometimes painted on, but the most realistic looking dolls seem to be the ones with rooted hair and eyelashes.  Some hair may still be painted on to complete the illusion.

Different artists may use different materials to achieve just the right feel and look for the vinyl baby's skin and overall 'feel".  Doe suede is sometimes used for the body.  Reborn baby artists may start with an existing doll, or they could also create custom molded dolls.  The dolls are weighted to make them feel like a real baby of the same age would feel.  Other features are can also be added to really kick up the realism.  Heartbeats, breathing sounds and the like can be added.  Of course, the more "features", the more expensive you might expect the reborn doll to be.  There are also some artists who will create custom reborn baby dolls to look like a particular baby.  That can also increase the price.  Recent eBay prices ranged from the hundreds of dollars up to over $2000 for a doll that was simply breathtaking in its realism.  Whether you collect these or not, you have to admire the workmanship of these artists.  The gifted people who create these "reborns" are truly artists in every sense of the word.

Here is a BBC documentary about reborns that you might find interesting.

Vintage Dolls Home

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Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, Vintage Dolls

Collectors of vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls have a lot to keep track of when they consider their collections. This isn't just because of a wide variety of doll types, but just keeping track of what doll was released with what features can become a bit confusing to a less experienced collector.


Many people think of Strawberry Shortcake as strictly an 80s phenom. That is when her popularity exploded, but the first dolls were actually released in 1979. The five dolls included in that bunch were Strawberry Shortcake herself, a "bad guy" named "Purple Pieman", a baby named "Apple Dumpling", and her friends "Huckleberry Pie" and "Blueberry Muffin". The pets that would become popular additions later were not included in this first issue. Except for Purple Pieman, these very first dolls can be recognized by their flat hands. The later dolls released in this first issue would come out in 1980 and they had hands which were in a curled or curved shape. Rounding out the first lot are "Orange Blossom", "Raspberry Tart", "Lemon Meringue" and "Apricot".

The dolls gained in popularity and later editions added new characters to the Strawberry Shortcake family of dolls. The values of these is often dependent upon what issue they are, what particular character they are, and of course, the condition of the doll itself.
VINTAGE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BLUE BERRY DOLL BOOKLET
VINTAGE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BLUE BERRY DOLL BOOKLET
Paypal   US $5.99 		STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE LOT VINTAGE DOLLSBABIESPHONEPIC
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE LOT VINTAGE DOLLSBABIESPHONEPIC
Paypal   US $10.49 		Vintage rose petal place doll 1984 RARE
Vintage rose petal place doll 1984 RARE
Paypal   US $5.00
Vintage Dancing Strawberry Shortcake doll NRFB
Vintage Dancing Strawberry Shortcake doll NRFB
Paypal   US $45.00 		VINTAGE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RASPBERRY TART RAG DOLL
VINTAGE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RASPBERRY TART RAG DOLL
Paypal   US $11.95 		Lot VINTAGE Strawberry Shortcake dolls clothes case
Lot VINTAGE Strawberry Shortcake dolls clothes case
Paypal   US $15.49
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I came across this commercial on YouTube.  This particular commercial aired in 1981.  This was near the start of it all!

Today, having one of the more rare dolls from the Strawberry Shortcake line of dolls could be worth some money. I like to look at eBay as a way of judging the monetary value of many dolls because it is a real world example of what people are willing to pay for a particular vintage doll (or any collectible really). A 1985 Banana Twirl Berrykin recently sold for $415 complete with all of its papers and mint in box. That was the top recent seller as I'm looking. The average selling price for a vintage Strawberry Shortcake doll out of all the recently listed dolls was much lower. It was just around $24.

If you are looking for value, the Strawberry Shortcake dolls are one of the dolls more likely to be sold off in larger lots. Many people seem to list them in these larger groupings and this can be a way to save significant amounts of money if you are willing to make the one time investment. It is possible that you might be able to patiently watch and wait for extremely low priced dolls to appear and then manage to win them, but usually, checking out these dolls that are being sold in lots is a pretty good strategy for building a collection.

During the time period that I checked, the busiest day of the week for Strawberry Shortcake dolls to end at auction seemed to be Thursday.  Wednesday had much less competition among bidders and sellers.  You might want to check that out.

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You’re Never Too Old to Start a Doll Collection

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, vintage Barbie dolls

No matter what type of dolls you collect, there is probably at least one special doll that you remember from your childhood.  Perhaps it was the doll that got you started in collecting.  Maybe it was an "untouchable" doll at a relative's house that you just stared at and wished that you owned.  Most collectors have some especially memorable doll that is close to their hearts.


Unfortunately, a lot of us either loved those dolls so hard that they ended up looking a bit beat up or we may have gone through a phase where we thought we were simply too grown up for such "babyish" things.  When one of my cousins visits, she will always stop to check out my dolls.  For years she never failed to mention how much she regrets giving all of her dolls away when she went away to college.  Actually, she sold them at a garage sale.  She was quite a Barbie collector in the 1960s, and she realizes that beyond the memories, she also sold off some very collectible dolls at a pittance.

I have been telling my cousin for a few years that she could always start rebuilding her collection again.  She has always put it off for one reason or another and eventually, I just put it out of my mind.  She finally broke down and bought herself a Bubble Cut Barbie last month as a start to her collection.  You wouldn't believe the excitement bubbling out of her as she showed it to me.  It was just one doll, but it is lovely and it is a start to a new beginning of her collection.

Now, when she visits, she no longer looks sad or depressed about what she lost.  She seems to have almost magically gotten over her previous mistake and she talks about what her next doll purchase will be.  Now that she is older, she is sticking with Barbies but she is going the route of saving up, researching and buying the best that she can afford.  It may take her a while to get back to what she once had, but I have little doubt that she'll get there and enjoy the trip the whole way through.

If you have been putting off or ignoring a collection for a while, there is no reason you can't start right in or get back into the action.  Collecting dolls is a fun hobby whether you enjoy one particular type of doll or just the thrill of the hunt.  Collecting now is easier than ever with dolls available right on your computer.  Go browsing a bit and see if anything catches your eye.  You might end up having a lot of fun!

gimme babay.
Creative Commons License photo credit: ThouArt.

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Corolle Dolls

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Newer Dolls

Corolle dolls are not the fanciest dolls you will find, but they certainly still have a solid following among collectors.

Including Corolle dolls may be pushing it a bit as far as “vintage” goes.  The company has been around since 1979.  Many of them are bought and sold on eBay regularly though with the vintage label and the definition of vintage can be a bit “fluid” as items are listed by sellers with differing degrees of experience in the field of selling dolls.
ADORABLE 12 2000 COROLLE BABY BEANIE DOLL W RED HAIR
ADORABLE 12 2000 COROLLE BABY BEANIE DOLL W RED HAIR
Paypal   US $6.99 		13 14 COROLLE DOLL 2001 CAMILLE w AWESOME CLOTHES
13 14 COROLLE DOLL 2001 CAMILLE w AWESOME CLOTHES
Paypal   US $16.37 		Lot Corolle Vanilla Scented Toddler Baby Dolls EUC
Lot Corolle Vanilla Scented Toddler Baby Dolls EUC
Paypal   US $23.37
Lot of 10 Different Full Page Color Ads COROLLE DOLLS
Lot of 10 Different Full Page Color Ads COROLLE DOLLS
Paypal   US $.99 		Corolle Poupee Toddler Doll 17 tall made in France
Corolle Poupee Toddler Doll 17 tall made in France
Paypal   US $14.99 		Corolle 13 Doll Baby beautiful
Corolle 13 Doll Baby beautiful
Paypal   US $41.00
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Corolle dolls and Corolle doll clothes are both popular items with buyers.  Though not as well known or prestigious as some older, more established doll companies that are cornerstones of the doll market, Corolle dolls hold their own and usually at a much lower price than some of the more well known names.

The company has actually been honored with several Doll of the Year awards and is known within the doll industry for producing high quality dolls.   The dolls are very lifelike and the Corolle doll home page states that they are often designed based on real babies.  My own experience has been that the dolls are very well received by little ones.

These dolls are made to fall into stages that match up with children's growth and development.  Of course this is great for the company because the idea is to keep people buying, but really, the dolls are quite nice and each stage is a great match for the children who are there audience.  There are plenty of Corolle baby dolls and Corolle doll accessories to choose from if you are a collector.

The Babi Corolle is for the newest of babies.  These are snuggly soft dolls that also include rattles and hand puppets.  The idea is to stimulate the senses that baby is just starting to explore.

Mon Premier is designed for little girls ages eighteen months and up who are starting to get the idea of taking care of a baby.   Dolls in this line include Tidoo, Calin and Poupette.

Les Classiques is the next in the Corolle line. This is designed for roughly the same age as the Mon Premier but also goes up to the 3+ age range. There are five sizes to choose from in this line and more accessories become available.

The Miss Corolle dolls are for the next stage.  These dolls are a continuation of the three years plus group but also step up for little girls who are a little bit older.   These are more of your classic play dolls that are made for acting out day to day adventures with friends.

A final line from Corolle is designed for little girls with an early interest in fashion.  These dolls are called "les Trendies" and the Corolle site says they are for "budding fashionistas".

If you are searching for Corolle dolls, you probably already know quite a bit about them, but if not, you can find their home page here.  eBay is a nice place to check for older Corolle dolls or even newer ones that might be available at lower than retail prices.  In addition, eBay is, without a doubt, a great place to find larger “lots” of doll accessories.  Corolle doll clothes and even the Corolle doll stroller can usually be found for sale, often with baby dolls included!

Here is a Corolle video that does a nice job of showing off the dolls' features.

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Bubble Cut Barbie

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Vintage Dolls, vintage Barbie dolls

The Bubble Cut Barbie was a Barbie doll that reflected the popular hairstyles of the 1960s. 


The bouffant hairdo worn by the 11.5 inch Barbie was available between the years of 1961 and 1967.  During this time, Barbie fans could still purchase Swirl Barbie and Ponytail Barbie but many thousands of Bubble Cuts were bought up and collected while they were available.

Here are a few Bubble Cut Tidbits for you:

  • The Bubble Cut Barbies were produced in large numbers and with a wide variety of different lips colors and shades of hair.  This variety makes them an interesting choice for collectors because the same basic doll has so many different looks.
  • Production Bubble Cut Barbies were constructed with arms and legs that were not designed to bend.
  • The dolls produced during the first year of production seem to have still been getting some kinks ironed out.  The plastic used gave them an oily looking complexion and this was corrected in later Bubble Cut dolls.
  • After 1961 Bubble Cut dolls also go bigger hair and larger heads.  It's hard work being beautiful.

Not all Bubble Cut Barbie Dolls are created equal.  There are some models worth more to collectors than others.  This is due mostly to the scarcity of the particular dolls.  One popular, but hard to find model is the bubble cut with a side part in her hair.  This is not a style accomplished by just brushing the hair over.  The part was actually stitched in to the dolls' scalps.

Another distinction between bubbles that can affect their value is their coloration.  Bubbles with nearly white lips are a much sought after prize.  These lips are found on "White Ginger Bubbles".  The hair on these models is a very pale shade of blonde.  These come up from time to time on eBay.  One recently sold for exactly $100 in very good condition.
VINTAGE BARBIE MIDGE 1963 BROWNETTE BUBBLE CUT HAIR
VINTAGE BARBIE MIDGE 1963 BROWNETTE BUBBLE CUT HAIR
Paypal   US $9.99 		MINT PLATINUM BLOND BUBBLE CUT BARBIE VINTAGE Repro
MINT PLATINUM BLOND BUBBLE CUT BARBIE VINTAGE Repro
Paypal   US $18.99 		Lot of Barbie Items Bubble Cut 2 Nurse Outfit Red Flare
Lot of Barbie Items Bubble Cut 2 Nurse Outfit Red Flare
Paypal   US $19.95
Vintage 1962 Bubble Cut Barbie Rose Glitter Satin
Vintage 1962 Bubble Cut Barbie Rose Glitter Satin
Paypal   US $9.99 		2 1960s Barbie Bubble Cut Heads
2 1960s Barbie Bubble Cut Heads
Paypal   US $7.59 		Stunning BIG Hair Brunette BUBBLE CUT Barbie Doll
Stunning BIG Hair Brunette BUBBLE CUT Barbie Doll
Paypal   US $57.55
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As I mentioned, the prices can show a decent bit of variation.  One good thing about eBay is that sometimes you will see dolls slip through at lower than expected prices either due to poor timing on the part of the seller or because it just so happens that the right buyers didn't happen to notice a doll.  A mint bubble cut doll, still in her box, might bring over $300.  If you are looking for dolls that can stand a little bit of work, you probably won't have to go over one hundred.  The middle ground would be the dolls in nice shape but not mint in box.

A check of recent Bubble Cuts sold on eBay showed a high end price of $399 for a 1961 Titian Bubblecut Barbie #850.  It was in outstanding condition with all of its accessories and the original box.  It by far was the most expensive bubble sold recently when I checked.  Most others that were in very good to excellent condition sold for between $100 and $200 on the site.

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Barbie Accessories

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, vintage Barbie dolls

If you collect vintage Barbie, you may or may not realize how much collectible value her accessories also have. 


There has been a lot of growth in the collecting of barbie accessories and some of the individual items can bring a pretty penny at auction.  Of course if you are selling, this is good news.  If you are buying though, you may be seeing some competition.
MOD Barbie Fiery Felt Hat 1789 1970 N Mint
MOD Barbie Fiery Felt Hat 1789 1970 N Mint
Paypal   US $6.99 		Vintage Barbie Garden Tea Party 1606 1964 N Mint
Vintage Barbie Garden Tea Party 1606 1964 N Mint
Paypal   US $26.00 		Vintage Barbie Golfing Greats 3413 1971 1972NRFB
Vintage Barbie Golfing Greats 3413 1971 1972NRFB
Paypal   US $102.50
Vintage Barbie Baby Sits Pillow 953 1963 N Mint
Vintage Barbie Baby Sits Pillow 953 1963 N Mint
Paypal   US $2.99 		Vintage Barbie Floral Petticoat Panties 921 1959 N M M
Vintage Barbie Floral Petticoat Panties 921 1959 N M M
Paypal   US $16.25 		Vintage Barbie Lingerie Pak White Bra 1962 N Mint
Vintage Barbie Lingerie Pak White Bra 1962 N Mint
Paypal   US $9.49
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Most people reading this are probably buyers, so I will share a bit of advice that may help you to find some of the better deals on Barbie and her accessories.  These tips are for finding Barbie accessories or anything really, on eBay.  They help you to take advantage of the fact that many of the people selling on the site are not professional sellers and they might not know how to get the best possible prices for what they are putting up for auction.  If you are a seller on eBay, you should also pay attention to these tips because you might be setting yourself up to get less than you expect for your items.

  • Watch for misspelled words in auction listings.  Think of every possible misspelling that you can for the item you are looking for on eBay.  As an example, I'll use the phrase "Barbie Accessories".  That particular search brought back over 900 results, and most likely, every one of those listings will be carefully checked out by Barbie fans.  When I put in a common misspelling like "Barbie accesories", I get back only 31 results.  But guess what?  NONE of those are going to show up when people come looking to buy "accessories" for their dolls!  Which auctions do you think will have more competition?   You can use this technique with any particular Barbie accessory you are looking for online.  Actually, you could use it for any item, not just Barbie gear!
  • Be willing to shop at an unusual time on eBay.  There are some people who go to work, but still want to get something listed on eBay.  Sometimes, they decide to list their item at whatever time is convenient for them to get on the computer.  This might be seven in the morning or eleven at night on a Monday.  Most experienced sellers won't do this, but newer or infrequent sellers often make this mistake, not realizing that the default is for their auction to end exactly seven days, to the minute, from when they listed their merchandise.  Once again, do you think there will be as many people bidding on an item at 7:30 a.m. as there would be at a time like Sunday evening around 9:00?  Your goal is to use the advanced search tools available on any search screen, to search for what you want ending at some strange time like this.  Now that eBay has made sellers pay more to get their items seen in other countries, this should be even more helpful for people basing their shopping on U.S. time zones.
  • Don't forget to check out "lots" of merchandise.  There are many sellers who really don't know a whole bunch about what they are selling.  They may have found some old Barbie dolls or accessories stashed away in an attic or at a yard sale and they just want to sell it quickly without researching which individual pieces might be worth more than the others.  This can be a bonanza time for Barbie collectors or collectors of any doll.  Because the doll clothes and doll accessories are relatively small, many people really don't want to be bothered with handling each individual tiny piece.  It all ends up going in to lots.  When you see a listing that says something like "Barbie accessories lot", take a close look and ask questions of the buyer.  You may find that it is a mix of items from a couple of generations of Barbie collecting within the same family.  If Mom tossed all of her old accessories in with her daughter's stuff, you might find some real gems hidden in the mix.

This is just a short list of tips I've used to find great deals on Barbie accessories (and other eBay items) in the past.  I'll share more as we go along.  I hope these help you find something you have been looking for at a price you like!

Here is a video I found on YouTube about Barbie accessories that you might enjoy...

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Doll Collecting on a Budget

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, Vintage Dolls

You don't have to spend a ton of money on collecting dolls.  There are, of course, different types of doll collectors, but unless your goal is to only purchase the most exclusive and/or rare dolls you can find, there is not any reason that you can't find a nice collectible doll for a price that keeps you within your budget.


It is really up to you how you are going to decide to spend your "doll money" to build your collection.  Do you want to save up and get one really special doll, or do you prefer to buy more of the lower priced dolls?  If you are going for the lower priced dolls, are you trying to get your hands on the ones that will gain value over time?

There are a lot of questions you could ask yourself as you build your collection, but I think it is really much more important that you enjoy the collecting experience.

If you have the patience, you can go out on your own in search of collectible dolls.  This can be a bit of work though.  It usually involves some leg work, contacting people you don't know and sometimes even digging and rummaging through estate merchandise.  This method can be a challenge but the results can be rewarding.  I'll write more about this in another post.

Vintage Barbie Doll

Vintage Barbie Doll

Most people will choose to simply purchase the dolls they want to collect.  You can find a lot of great dolls for between $100 - $400 dollars.  Sure, this can be pricey, but if you are willing to cut out some other frivolous spending, you may be surprised at how quickly you can save up $100.

One quick tip for those collectors who are working on a budget is to talk to any friends you might have who enjoy frequenting garage sales or estate sales.  Take them out to lunch to get their attention and then tell them about the kinds of dolls you collect.  Ask them if they would be willing to keep an eye open for you when they hit their sales.  I do go to a lot of these sales, and I've been surprised at some of the old and rare items I've found at them.  To improve your odds even more, have your friend specifically ask if they are selling what you collect.  Many times people having a yard sale will only put out newer things because they think (mistakenly) that no one would want their old stuff.  Hey, asking doesn't cost a dime!

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Who Collects Dolls?

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, Vintage Dolls

Who is Collecting Dolls Today?

Anyone can collect dolls.  It isn't just for little girls and old women anymore.  Although there are certainly a lot of females with a strong interest in doll collecting, now that it has grown into a business of sorts, men are also becoming more heavily involved in the collecting of dolls.

There is a common image of doll collecting being more of a feminine hobby.  Surely this is because it is a lot more common for little girls to openly play with dolls than it is for boys.  Little girls playing with their Barbie dolls is something you expect to see, and do see often.  Many parents would even discourage their young sons from "playing dolls" unless the toy was an "action figure" molded into shapes designed to maime and destroy.  Left to their own devices, many little boys enjoy playing with any doll they come across because they just like pretending and using their imaginations.  Most times, boys seem to outgrow the doll phase but it really is not a bad thing if they develop an appreciation for collecting them.

As I mentioned above, the collecting of dolls has become a serious business for some people.  Buying and selling dolls can be quite lucrative if you know what you are doing.  I'm sure that many people selling dolls on eBay are men.  Most likely they have not been holding on to some cherished doll since childhood.  They probably purchased it at a yard sale or auction and have decided to make it available for collectors more interested in the dolls themselves than in making a profit for them.

There are many men who now lament the loss of their prized GI Joe collections that may have been lost to abuse and damage or, in many cases, given away by parents to younger relatives or friends of the family.  They look now on eBay and see how much their collections would have been worth and just moan, thinking of possibly thousands of dollars worth of collectible figures that were simply given away back in the days before eBay made everyone aware of the collectibles market.

Collecting dolls is not necessarily the same as playing with dolls.  Actually, many doll collectors would never dream of letting their dolls get into the hands of a child who would use them to start acting out an adventure that could damage or de-value the doll.  Dolls are collected and often displayed in ways that show them off, but keep them protected as much as possible.  The types of dolls being preserved may be different, but the demographics of doll collecting reaches across the gender lines.

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Michael Jackson Dolls

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Celebrity Dolls, Vintage Dolls

Michael Jackson dolls are enjoying an amazing resurgence in popularity as collectors battle to scoop up memorabilia as quickly they can.


With the sad passing of Michael Jackson at the age of fifty, Americans who can remember his unprecedented explosion on the pop scene are clamoring for Michael Jackson memorabilia. One of the popular items people are grabbing up quickly, is the Michael Jackson doll. It is hard to believe that these dolls actually are pushing the "vintage" category. Certainly they aren't as rare as an original Barbie, but they are pushing the thirty year mark and many have no doubt been lost to the cleaning purges that so often happen when kids grow up and lose interest in the idols of their pre-teen and teenage years. The dolls came in a variety of packages and featured items like the well known glove and socks that were worn by the singer on stage and in his music videos.
Michael Jackson 12 Black or White Doll 95 NEW UNOPENED
Michael Jackson 12 Black or White Doll 95 NEW UNOPENED
Paypal   US $55.00 		COLLECT Michael Jackson COMMEMORATIVE COSTUME Papr Doll
COLLECT Michael Jackson COMMEMORATIVE COSTUME Papr Doll
Paypal   US $12.99 		Glittery Glove For Michael Jackson Doll Authenic 1984
Glittery Glove For Michael Jackson Doll Authenic 1984
Paypal   US $1.99
Michael Jackson doll American Music Awards outfit NRFB
Michael Jackson doll American Music Awards outfit NRFB
Paypal   US $44.99 		SET OF 2 MICHAEL JACKSON DOLLS THRILLER
SET OF 2 MICHAEL JACKSON DOLLS THRILLER
Paypal   US $26.00 		1984 Michael Jackson doll by LJN toys
1984 Michael Jackson doll by LJN toys
Paypal   US $20.50
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The dolls are just the beginning though.  Since his untimely death, tens of thousands of auctions have sprung up offering every imaginable piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia.  Of course albums are a huge seller.  They were being collected anyway.  But other suddenly popular collectibles include t-shirts, concert programs, posters, concert ticket stubs, and pins.

Seeing a flood of memorabilia for sale after a stars death is not uncommon, but middle aged fans of Michael Jackson are not that far removed from the glory days that included the meteoric rise of the Thriller album to the top of the charts.  They are scrambling to grab up as many relics as they can to memorialize the "King of Pop" as they are forced to deal with their own mortality.  "Thriller" and "Beat it" dolls that are still in their original boxes are being snapped up at a record rate by these fans and other doll collectors who enjoy collecting celebrity dolls.

Although he was not in the spotlight quite as much in recent years, Michael Jackson is obviously still appreciated by his fans and his immeasurably huge influence upon the pop music scene will be felt for years to come.

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Doll Collecting

by Sandy | No Comments | Filed in Doll Collecting, Vintage Dolls

People collect all sorts of things. Take a look in eBay's collectibles category some time and you might be surprised at some of the things you will find. One of the enduring favorites however, is the collectible doll.


Doll collecting has grown into one of the largest hobbies around today. Estimates vary, but it is generally accepted that collecting dolls is one of the top five collecting hobbies around. People collect dolls for a variety of reasons. Many people start collecting dolls when they're young either because they are given collectible dolls as gifts or because they just develop in interest on their own.
VINTAGE 19 INCH UNMARKED COMPOSITION DOLL
VINTAGE 19 INCH UNMARKED COMPOSITION DOLL
Paypal   US $38.00 		Vintage 64 BARBIE Doll Clothes CAMPUS BELLE Rose Dress
Vintage 64 BARBIE Doll Clothes CAMPUS BELLE Rose Dress
Paypal   US $71.00 		VINTAGE CABBAGE PATCH KID LITTLE PEOPLE BLACK DOLL 25
VINTAGE CABBAGE PATCH KID LITTLE PEOPLE BLACK DOLL 25
Paypal   US $40.35
gorgeous vintage NODDING HEAD Kiss Me Dolls Japan
gorgeous vintage NODDING HEAD Kiss Me Dolls Japan
Paypal   US $19.59 		Vintage Dancing Strawberry Shortcake doll NRFB
Vintage Dancing Strawberry Shortcake doll NRFB
Paypal   US $45.00 		VINTAGE BLACK 6 Amanda Jane Baby doll VINYL DOLL MIB
VINTAGE BLACK 6 Amanda Jane Baby doll VINYL DOLL MIB
Paypal   US $42.04
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Although you can spend a lot of money on this hobby, you don't really have to in order to enjoy it. The amount of money you'll end up investing depends a lot on what kind of dolls you are actually collecting. Some people are very happy collecting dolls that remind them of their childhood without any regard to its perceived collectible value. Other people see collecting dolls as a way of making money or investing their money. There are quite a few people that started out as casual collectors and then went on to well paying doll related careers. Some people start as collectors and then move on to design dolls and doll clothing, others act as consultants for other collectors and some stay involved by actually reselling collectible dolls for themselves or other people.

If you are just getting into doll collecting you may want to pick one particular type to start with rather than purchasing "one of everything." One big reason for this is that you can quickly drop a ton of money on collectible dolls if you do not have a focus on any certain type of doll. You can always go back and build your collection later if you decide you like one kind of doll more than another. If you are a shrewd buyer, you might even make some money as you do this.

Purchasing a guide to collectible dolls might be a wise investment as you start your adventures in doll collecting. Even if you do not intend to sell any of your dolls, a quality guide can help you to avoid getting scammed as you purchase dolls and build your collection. Doing a little bit of research can save you a lot of money in the long run.

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The Vintage Barbie Doll

by Sandy | Comments Off | Filed in Vintage Dolls, vintage Barbie dolls

People who collect vintage dolls often specialize in one type of doll or another. 


One of the more popular dolls collected today is the vintage Barbie doll.  Honestly, vintage Barbie dolls have a very strong following of extremely savvy collectors who really know there stuff.   There are quite a few very detailed guides available for serious Barbie collectors who wish to know the exact value of the dolls they own.  These guides are a wise investment for serious collectors as they will include very specific information such as mold numbers and trademark clues that will help to identify a particular vintage Barbie doll that you have in your collection.
Vintage 64 BARBIE Doll Clothes CAMPUS BELLE Rose Dress
Vintage 64 BARBIE Doll Clothes CAMPUS BELLE Rose Dress
Paypal   US $71.00 		Vintage Dark Long Hair Pony Tail Barbie Doll 1964 0850
Vintage Dark Long Hair Pony Tail Barbie Doll 1964 0850
Paypal   US $57.00 		Rare Vintage Round Ponytail Barbie Doll Case 1961
Rare Vintage Round Ponytail Barbie Doll Case 1961
Paypal   US $25.99
Vintage 1960s Barbie Doll
Vintage 1960s Barbie Doll
Paypal   US $20.00 		TWO 1 Vintage Malibu Skipper Doll Clothes Lot Barbie
TWO 1 Vintage Malibu Skipper Doll Clothes Lot Barbie
Paypal   US $20.00 		1960 3 VINTAGE BARBIE DOLL ORIGINAL SWIMSUIT 1 SHOE
1960 3 VINTAGE BARBIE DOLL ORIGINAL SWIMSUIT 1 SHOE
Paypal   US $366.66
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To truly be considered vintage, Barbie dolls must be from between the years 1959 and 1972.  Other special "collectible" editions of Barbie were released by Mattel later than that, but they are their own story and I may write more about them later.

Prices for the very early Barbie dolls can get quite high.  Values can exceed ten thousand dollars in some cases.  The value of each doll will depend on factors such as the model itself, its condition, and whether or not any type of restoration work has been done to the doll.  If restoration has occurred, the quality of the restoration becomes very important.  The techniques and materials used during the restoration process should be true to the era from which the doll originally came.  The value of a Barbie doll can drop significantly if it has been restored improperly or by inferior means.  There are many Barbie doll collectors who do not want anything to do with restored dolls.  They prefer to pay the extra money required to obtain only original, undamaged Barbies (preferably with the original packing).  Certainly, if you are considering the purchase of a vintage Barbie doll as an investment or as an expensive addition to your collection, you should ask the seller for as many details as possible about the dolls history.  A quality seller of vintage dolls or any antique or vintage merchandise will feel obligated to mention any restoration that may have occurred, but you should still ask if it has not been mentioned specifically in the listing for the item.

Often, the original packing material for a vintage Barbie doll will be long gone by the time a collector is considering its purchase.  If you do happen upon a truly vintage Barbie doll still in its original package, you should be prepared to pay a premium price to own it.  Do some investigative work before bidding on one of these items and be sure that the seller is knowledgeable about the doll they are offering for sale.  Specifically ask the seller if this is an original or if it is a replica Barbie released to commemorate an earlier addition.

Probably the most rare vintage Barbie doll available is the original 1959 doll wearing a black and white swimming suit.  You can take a look at one of those if your travels ever take you near the Smithsonian.  They are very rare but it is possible that you will find one selling at someone's garage sale (you never know!).  There are still quite a few vintage Barbies floating around out there in peoples attics and basements waiting to be discovered by collectors.

Collecting vintage Barbies can look like a hardcore business at times, but it should be fun first of all.  Serious collectors also find themselves playing the part of serious investors at times, so caveat emptor (buyer beware) certainly applies.  Do some research and enjoy yourself as you build your collection of vintage Barbie dolls!

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Vintage Paper Dolls

by Sandy | Comments Off | Filed in Doll Collecting, Vintage Dolls

The fact that vintage paper dolls have survived through the years is a testament to how well some people take care of the items they collect.


It is refreshing to know that in today's society, when many children have very short attention spans that can only be captured by blinking and flashing video games, there are still some people who appreciate something as simple as collecting vintage paper dolls. Paper dolls are a reminder of the time when things were much simpler and people were more inclined to use their own imagination for entertainment.
VINTAGE PAPER DOLLS OLD CUT OUTS BALLERINAS PLASTIC
VINTAGE PAPER DOLLS OLD CUT OUTS BALLERINAS PLASTIC
Paypal   US $7.99 		VINTAGE BUNNY WOODEN DOLL PAPER DOLL UNCUT WHITMAN 1939
VINTAGE BUNNY WOODEN DOLL PAPER DOLL UNCUT WHITMAN 1939
Paypal   US $15.95 		VINTAGE PRINT PAPER ART BOUDOIR DOLL PINK LACES SILKS
VINTAGE PRINT PAPER ART BOUDOIR DOLL PINK LACES SILKS
Paypal   US $18.22
VintagePaper Dolls3 little girlsMaryAnnLouJane
VintagePaper Dolls3 little girlsMaryAnnLouJane
Paypal   US $16.63 		VintagePaper Dolls3 Wood DollsMimiKathieSallie
VintagePaper Dolls3 Wood DollsMimiKathieSallie
Paypal   US $8.63 		1932 Dolly Jean Paper Doll by Fern BPeat S 877vintage
1932 Dolly Jean Paper Doll by Fern BPeat S 877vintage
Paypal   US $8.63
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Paper dolls originated in the time of Louis XV of France. This was during the 1700s and owning one or more of these dolls was a privilege. They were carefully collected and very well taken care of by their young owners.

In America, paper was very hard to come by and was considered a valuable commodity. For that reason, not many people owned paper dolls. As paper production techniques improve in paper became more available for common use, the dolls could be mass produced and became available to many more eventual paper doll collectors.

Most of that vintage paper dolls collected today are from the time during the Mid 20th century when they became very popular. A lot of people like to collect these as a way to look back at the fashions and famous people of an earlier time. Not all paper dolls carry the same monetary value, but collectors of the delicate paper treasures often have reasons for collecting that go beyond money.

Paper Mother and Child with Clothes for Each
Creative Commons License photo credit: perpetualplum

If you are looking to either purchase or to sell vintage paper dolls, eBay is an excellent resource to check. I have noticed over the years that sellers in certain categories seem to take a very fine interest in what they collect and put up for sale. For the most part, it seems that the people selling vintage paper dolls and vintage dolls in general on Ebay, have a real connection to the merchandise they are buying or selling. It seems to go beyond nostalgia. Sellers often will offer guarantees and seem to go above and beyond the norm as they lovingly present their treasures to potential buyers. Buyers of the vintage paper dolls on Ebay also seem to realize and share a special bond with their fellow collectors which is evidenced by their willingness to sometimes pay prices that can get a little bit high for a casual doll collector.

For the person who just wants to introduce the fun of paper dolls with a little one, there are printable paper dolls and paper doll templates available online.  But more serious collectors tend to look for specific dolls.  Tom Tierney paper dolls, Victorian paper dolls and Disney paper dolls are a few of the specific brands often searched for on the Internet in general and on Ebay in particular.

If you are not interested in purchasing vintage or antique paper dolls on Ebay, you can try to find them yourself.  They are one of the items that sometimes show up at places like estate sales, but finding them on your own is a very hit or miss proposition.  Looking for the dolls in a collectible shop is another option, but you will almost certainly pay the top "book" price.  This is a major reason that so many collectors have taken to checking Ebay before making any purchases.  There are often items that seem to slip under the radar and that can present a nice opportunity for some serious savings on hard to find items.

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