Although they are a very popular collectible, it can difficult to find vintage porcelain dolls in good condition that have not gone through restoration.  Before purchasing a doll, be sure to ask the seller if any restoration has taken place and also ask about how it was done.  If you are going to invest in any doll, you should be confident in its history and the way it has been preserved.

The mass production of parts for these dolls began in Germany in the latter part of the 1800s.  These parts were imported by other countries and then assembled using bodies made of materials like composite and wood.  People had been collecting these dolls since the beginning of the nineteenth century though.  Denmark, Germany, and of course France were the center of action for dollmakers during this time.

Porcelain dolls are still being made today, mostly in China.  When people speak of collecting these dolls though, it is often assumed that they are talking about collecting either vintage or antique dolls.  Even though this site is named after "vintage" dolls, I personally don't believe in the split that seems to be present between collectors of new items and collectors of older dolls.  Such a division is just silly.  Everyone should be able to collect what ever they want to collect.  Why stick your nose into someone else's business?  Just collect what you enjoy and respect the choices of others while you're at it.