Many serious collectors, when it comes to collecting dolls aren't interested in the dolls that have recently come out or have been recently produced. Serious collectors, instead, have their sights set on antique dolls. These dolls are much more valuable than their more recent counterparts. Antique dolls are rich in history and, if kept in good shape throughout the years, can become an invaluable addition to any serious antique doll collection.

It will have to have been taken care of throughout the years for an antique doll to become valuable. Any serious collector will not be interested in dolls that are missing eyes or even limbs. The antique dolls that will fetch large sums for the seller, are those that are kept wholly intact and are in complete mint condition.

Mending Dolls

Of course, if a doll is an antique and is missing some parts, say an eye or a leg, the dolls can be repaired. There are shops out there who will repair your antique dolls to make them look like new. It should be noted, however, that many collectors out there are very picky about what antique dolls they will accept for their collection. They will not tolerate a doll they considered to be mended and take their antique doll collecting very seriously. Trying to pass the antique doll off as mint condition is not recommended as any serious collector will be able to tell almost instantly. Mending can be done to restore your antique doll to its full beauty if the doll needs it.

You can find antique dolls at specialty doll stores and even online. Many antique dolls come from collectors and even more come from people who once owned them and then died. This is where we get most of our antique dolls today. They are left over or sold with peoples estates. Some of these antique dolls are a hundred years old or more. You can imagine what an artifact like that is worth. Considering most of the antique dolls are hand made, the amount is likely more than you expect.

Any time you wish you can start antique doll collecting. Be prepared to spend a lot of money when you find a good antique doll retailer. Doll collecting isn't cheap, especially not antique doll collecting, but it's worth it when you consider all the extra friends you'll have to fill up your new doll room.