Do you love dolls? Do you enjoy the collecting activity? Then this can be your hobby. This hobby is the second biggest hobby in the world. The first dolls were found in Africa, Greece, Egypt, and Rome.
Many parents have begun to interest young children in dolls. The child may or may not continue with this interest. Some adults develop an interest in dolls for many reasons. Perhaps you were deprived of dolls when you were children or it took you adulthood to acquire an interest in this hobby.
Are you interested in dolls as a financial investment? You may be disappointed to learn that not everyone is a moneymaker. If investment is your motivation in this hobby, study and do a lot of research. Knowledge will be essential as there are no guarantees of financial rewards.
What makes a doll valuable?
There are times when a contemporary doll will be more valuable than an old, vintage or collectible doll. Consider the manufacturers, historical significance, physical attributes of the doll in terms of cuteness or beauty, celebrity status, popular athletes, famous movie and television stars, metal novelties, rebirth, and much more.
Knowledge will be the key to deciding whether a doll is antique or antique. Financial value is determined by perceived value.
Other valuable measures:
Love, Memories, Show of Affection, Limited Quantity, Desirability, Originality, Status, Limited Editions, Collectibles, Historical, Hard to Locate, Limited Production, Unusual or Unique, Highly Wanted and Rare.
Collection tips:
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Know what you want and select cautiously supported with knowledge.
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Do not rush; Take time. This helps avoid mistakes.
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Keep an inventory so you don’t duplicate.
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Relax and enjoy each doll as you add it to your collection.
Doll locations:
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Department and hobby stores
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Toy Stores, Specialty Doll Stores
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Online
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Private owners
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Garage, carport and garage sale
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Flea markets and swap meets
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Antique and collectibles stores
Types of dolls:
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Old: American standard 100 years old or before the 18th century.
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Contemporary: Barbie dolls are the most famous
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Celebrity – Shirley Temple is in high demand
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Collectible: a variety of antique dolls.
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Baby: the latest trend among women and the application of therapies
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Children – big teams
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Ethnic – racial identity
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Role: economical
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Fashion: a must for fashion designers
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Vintage – 50 year old dolls; however, some may be considered ancient
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Metal – Comic figures are the most popular.
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Puppets
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Mechanic and robot – a favorite among boys and men.
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Rag – Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy
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Wood – Russian Matryoshka Nesting Dolls
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Straw: a non-permanent doll
Dolls are often associated as toys for children or as a working tool for adults. Other characteristics of the dolls refer to men’s needs for spiritual, ritual and magical values.
Dolls can be miniature size or life-size replicas of human beings. They are built with each and every one of the materials that their creator can use to assemble a fantasy or realistic replica of human beings.
The construction consists of inventive and innovative methods to create real and fun or fantastic working dolls for utility projects.