Collectible Dolls & More!

Shopping for collectible dolls in Seattle can be a little frustrating when you are not sure where to go.  Sometimes the best place to go for collectible dolls in Seattle is the Internet.

For me, finding a wide selection of collectible dolls in Seattle, on the Internet, at an estate sale, or at a doll show, is like being a kid in a candy store.

There are so many directions to go in collecting dolls in Seattle or anywhere.  There are the antique and vintage dolls; modern dolls; contemporary dolls; limited edition dolls; one-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls; theme dolls; reproduction dolls; and restoration dolls.  And within these, there are different styles of dolls, like baby dolls or fashion dolls, and different materials, like wood, straw, cloth, bisque, porcelain, composite, paper, plastic, and vinyl.  See?  Just like being in a candy store!

While the term “collectible doll” generally refers to dolls made between 25 to 75 years ago, any doll can be collectible.  So, t o get you started on your shopping for collectible dolls, let’s talk about what some of the more common terms mean.

• Antique dolls:  Made prior to 1930.
• Modern dolls:  Made less than 25 years ago.
• Contemporary dolls:  Currently being made.
• One-of-a-kind dolls:  Any doll that does not have a replica and will never be created again.
• Reproduction dolls:  Made from a mold, copying a doll made previously.
• Restoration dolls:  A doll that has had repairs like repainting or replacing body parts or replacing missing clothing.

This is just a start in the world of  collectible dolls.  Really, what dolls you choose to collect is really a personal preference.  You may be drawn to a doll your grandmother had or gave you, or maybe you are drawn to porcelain from the Victorian Era, or some of the older materials.  Or perhaps you are drawn to the newer theme dolls or a particular doll manufacturer like Ashton Drake, Madame Alexander, Vogue or Robert Tonner or a particular artist like Dianna Effner, Bruce Nygren or Joe Tai.  Any of these can be collected and can have a special meaning for you whether they increase in value or not.  My point is, buy what you love and what you can afford.

Shopping for collectible dolls in Seattle can start anywhere.  If you need assistance, let me know!