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Iconic Collections Auction
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Written by Irene | 3rd July 2018
For centuries, dolls have been a way for adults to recapture childhood. Some the most beautiful, lifelike and detailed dolls have been created over the years, providing today’s collectors with an interesting bit of history. Ever wondered how much your antique doll are worth? Here's our expert's guidelines for determining the value of your antique dolls.
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Factor 1: Appeal
The first factor to consider is the appeal of your antique doll. Would anyone want to display the doll in a collection? While the appeal of an object is naturally very subjective, there are a few more concrete features that contribute to the interest shown in a doll. The quality of the mould, for example, and the expertise of the artist painting the doll will affect the desirability and the value of the doll. Realistic colouring and evenly painted brows and lips contribute to a great appeal, while eyes that are not set on the exact right spot give the doll a cross eyed look.
Factor 2: Markings
Markings can make a doll more valuable. That is, if the appeal and condition are interesting too. You can generally find these markings on the back of the head or on the shoulder plate. The markings could include a name, the year of manufacturing, a serial number, or the mark of a brand such as SH for Simon & Halbig. Other brands to look out for are:
This Käthe Kruse No.1 doll below sold for €2,000 on Catawiki
Factor 3: Original parts
Before you consider putting your antique doll up for auction, take a good look at it. Is it complete? For example, if the doll was originally able to produce sounds, the doll will be much more valuable if this function still works. Many dolls we find today are put together from antique doll parts, while a completely original doll that consists of the original parts, wig and clothes is becoming quite rare. An original doll with antique clothes from another doll can still be rather valuable, however, as this doll originally made by Simon & Halbig shows, with her head coming from Kämmer & Reinhardt, she sold for far less than if she had been fully original.
This doll's head and body are from different brands and she was valued at only €220, quite valuable, but not as much as if she was fully original
Factor 4: Condition
As with every antique item, condition is key to collectors: no one wants a doll that has been well loved. Mint condition dolls are very rare however, so don’t be to disappointed if your doll has a flaw. For example, this Jumeau 8 doll below from 1900 is in good condition and was worth € 580, while a Jumeau 8 doll from the same time period but with damage from play was less valuable, but still worth €370 on a Catawiki auction.
This Jumeau 8 doll below from 1900 is in good condition and was worth € 580
The same that's true for all antiques also applies to antique dolls: the better the condition, the greater the chance your doll will be profitable on an online auction. Look for chips, smudges, repairs, and signs of wear. Could a collector position the doll in a showcase? Also check whether the elastics of your doll are tight or loose; this has an effect on the arms and legs and therefore the posture of the doll.
Are you ready?
Take a good look at your antique doll: do you think it might be worth putting up for auction? And are you ready to pass it on to a collector with love for dolls? Register here and our team of in-house experts will help you! Or take a look at our Doll & Bear auction to expand your own collection.
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