A Complete Guide to the Types of Porcelain Dolls & Their Values

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Read about the rarest (and most valuable) collectible porcelain dolls
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Do you have an old porcelain doll and you’re wondering what it’s worth? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article covers how to estimate your porcelain doll’s value , different types of porcelain dolls , and which porcelain dolls are the most valuable . Plus, we’ll tell you how to sell your valuable doll or care for it if you decide to keep it.

How much are antique porcelain dolls worth?

Vintage porcelain dolls can be sold for anywhere from $5 to $300,000 USD. Older porcelain dolls made in Germany or France are typically worth more than other dolls. Dolls in mint condition without damage may also have higher values, and original outfits without tears, fading, or staining also add to the doll’s value.

Section 1 of 6:

Estimating Your Porcelain Doll’s Value

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  1. 1
    Look for a maker’s mark to find out who manufactured your doll. The easiest way to identify an antique doll and find out who made it is to look for a maker’s mark. Maker’s marks are often a series of letters, numbers, a name, a word, or a combination of any of these elements. It’s usually a raised or indented mark that’s somewhere on the doll’s body. [1]
    • Most makers’ marks are on the back of the doll’s head or neck. However, they’re also placed between the doll’s shoulder blades, the bottom of its feet, or on clothing tags.
    • If the doll has a removable wig, the maker’s mark may appear on the head where the wig covers it.
    • The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 required that goods imported to the U. S. be marked with the country of origin. If your doll has a country’s name, it was made after 1890.
    • Once you’ve found your mark, find the manufacturer by looking for the design in doll reference books or at DollReference.com .
  2. 2
    Figure out when your doll was manufactured. Antique dolls are over 100 years old, and vintage dolls are usually between 60 and 100 years old. In general, the older and rarer a doll is, the more it’s worth. [2] However, value can change depending on current demand. Sometimes, a particular doll becomes popular with collectors, making it harder to get and driving up the price. Here are a few indications of age for porcelain dolls:
    • Body: The oldest dolls have porcelain or wooden bodies, while later dolls have bodies made of cloth.
    • Eyes: Dolls with eyes that are painted on are typically older than those with glass eyes, which appeared around 1870. Eyes that open and close are generally newer than stationary glass eyes.
    • Hair: Dolls with painted-on hair are older than dolls with rooted hair or wigs.
    • Clothing: Older dolls from the 1800s and early 1900s have clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk. Their shoes and other accessories may be made of real leather.
    • Crazing: Crazing is what fine cracks in the doll’s glaze are called. Crazing indicates a very old doll. [3]
    • Generally, porcelain dolls from the 1980s and 1990s onward don’t hold as much value as older dolls, unless they commemorate an event or were a very limited edition.
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  3. 3
    Assess your porcelain doll’s condition. A doll’s condition is extremely important when you’re trying to find out how much your doll is worth. [4] In general, collectors want dolls, clothing, and accessories that are as close to how they looked when they were new. However, less-than-perfect dolls can also be worth more depending on the rarity or demand. If the box the doll originally came in is still present, it add value to the doll. The following terms are used to communicate an antique or vintage doll’s condition:
    • Min t – Like new, perfect, or flawless.
    • Near mint – Only very minor superficial flaws. Otherwise, like new.
    • Very fine – Very good condition with some slight wear to clothing, hair, or facial paint.
    • Fine – Has some slight wear and chipping. Accessories may be missing.
    • Good – Has clearly been played with paint chipping and a missing, but replaceable part.
    • Poor – Tends to be in bad condition and has very little value unless it’s very rare.
  4. 4
    Find the prices of similar dolls that have recently sold. When pricing any antiques or collectibles , it’s important to do your research and see how much dolls like yours have sold for. Check prices on auction sites like eBay or Ruby Lane for dolls that are the same age, type, and condition as your doll. Check upcoming auctions and sales results at Theriaults , an auction house that specializes in dolls and other toys.
    • Search online for local doll shops that deal in vintage and antique dolls to see how much they’re asking for similar dolls.
    • Try asking in collector forums and insurance replacement values. However, forums can be unreliable, and insurance values may not be readily available.
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Section 2 of 6:

Types of Valuable Porcelain Dolls

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  1. 1
    China Dolls China dolls are some of the oldest and rarest types of porcelain dolls. The head and shoulders, hands, and feet are made of porcelain and attached to a wooden body. The porcelain is glazed, so it’s very glossy. The doll’s hair is sculpted as part of the head and then painted, usually with a center part. However, hairstyles changed over time. [5]
    • These dolls were mostly produced in Germany from 1836 to 1940. However, reproductions have been made in the U.S. and Japan since the mid-20th century.
    • Dolls with black hair and blue eyes were the most common, though hair was sometimes painted blonde or brown.
    • Later china dolls featured cloth or leather bodies instead of wood.
    • Older dolls very occasionally had porcelain bodies.
  2. 2
    Bisque Porcelain Dolls Bisque porcelain dolls were created in 1860. They were popular from their creation to about 1900. The soft matte texture of the porcelain had a more realistic “skin-like” appearance than the earlier glazed porcelain China dolls. [6] There were adult fashion dolls, bébé dolls (baby), and character dolls. Toymakers in Germany and France dominated the porcelain doll market until around the time of World War I.
    • French Bisque – French dolls were famous for their elaborate clothing and high fashion styles. French dolls were mostly of adult figures. The most famous doll makers from the 1800s were Bru, Gaultier, Huret, Jumeau, Rohmer, and Simone. Dolls from Albert Marque and Jumeau tend to be the most valuable.
    • German Bisque – The earliest German childlike dolls were called “dolly-faced” and made between 1890 and 1930. The most prolific German makers of antique dolls were Gebrüder Heubach, JDK Kestner, A. Marseille, Kammer & Reinhardt, and Simon & Halbig. [7]
    • German Parian – Parian dolls were made of pure white porcelain with elegantly painted faces. Parian dolls with pink-tinted faces, sculpted hair, and bonnets began to appear after 1865. [8]
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Section 3 of 6:

Most Valuable Porcelain Dolls

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  1. 1
    30-Inch Antoine Edmund Rochard Doll ($335,000) This bisque doll, made by French doll designer Antoine Edmund Rochard, sold at auction in 2018. It was extremely rare due to the unique microphotographs (called Stanhopes) included in its jeweled necklace. [9]
    • The doll dates from about 1868 and was superbly preserved in a private collection.
    • The doll is thought to be one of only a few examples ever made with the Stanhopes.
  2. 2
    25-Inch Kämmer & Reinhardt 108 Bisque Character Doll ($308,000) This German-made bisque doll sold at auction in 1994. Since then, no other example has been found. This may mean it was a one-of-a-kind experimental mold that was not produced. [10]
    • The doll’s head is made of bisque with painted eyes, and the body is made of wood and composition.
    • When it sold, it had a crack on one thigh, scuffed toes, and cracks and dents on the neck and body.
  3. 3
    22-Inch Albert Marque French Doll #27 ($300,000) This doll was created by French sculptor and doll maker Albert Marque in 1916 and sold at auction in 2014. It was one of only 100 made in association with French courtier and fashion designer Jeanne Margaine-Lacroix. It had been part of the collection of a Swiss doll museum and was in excellent condition. [11]
    • The doll still wears the original signed costume.
    • It’s believed the doll was first presented at an exclusive exhibition at Margaine-Lacroix’s boutique in 1916.
  4. 4
    22-Inch Albert Marque French Bisque “Louise of Lorraine” ($280,000) This bisque doll is #94 of 100 dolls made by Albert Marque for Jeanne Margaine-Lacroix. The doll wears the original historical costume that pays tribute to Louise of Lorraine, the Queen consort of King Henry III of France. [12]
    • Artist Aristodeme Botta sculpted the body of the doll.
  5. 5
    22-inch Albert Marque French Bisque Artist Doll ($175,000) This extremely rare doll is #6 of only 50 ever produced. It’s believed registration of these dolls was maintained in the Parisian boutique of Margaine-Lacroix, where they were costumed and presented to wealthy Parisians and foreign travelers. [13]
    • The condition is excellent with only a very faint curved line on the throat, which appears to be original.
    • The doll was designed with a unique elongated torso and undefined waist.
  6. 6
    22-Inch Albert Marque French Bisque Art Character ($145,000) This extremely rare doll was commissioned in 1914 for the Margaine-Lacroix boutique. It’s in excellent condition, with blue glass eyes and a white mohair wig. She wears an antique Margaine-Lacroix dress that may be original. [14]
    • The head was made with a unique 4-part mold to get exceptionally expressive facial features.
  7. 7
    26-Inch French Bisque Art Character 225 Jumeau ($90,000) This bisque doll was made by the French doll company Jumeau in about 1892. It has a bisque head with an oval face, and the body is made of wood and French composition. It features a blonde mohair wig over a cork pate. It was the final model in Emile Juneau’s “Series Fantastique.” Very few models of this doll are known to exist. [15]
    • It is in pristine condition and has not been played with.
    • It came with the original costume, accessories, and box.
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Section 4 of 6:

Selling Antique & Vintage Porcelain Dolls

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  1. 1
    List your doll on an online auction site or digital market. Try selling on eBay or Ruby Lane. Dolls are available on those sites for a wide range of price points. They also have a large audience, which gives you a better chance at connecting with a potential buyer. [16]
    • Make sure your listing includes all the important information about the doll, including the manufacturer, age, and a detailed description of the condition. [17]
    • Include colorful images of the doll from different angles. Add images of any maker’s marks, accessories, or damage.
  2. 2
    Sell or consign your doll to a local shop. If you have a doll shop in your area that deals in rare, antique, and vintage dolls, you may be able to sell it to them. They may also sell the doll on your behalf, charging you a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price.
    • Check the National Antique Doll Dealers Association’s member directory for a reputable dealer in your area.
    • While many of these stores may offer to appraise your doll, it might be a good idea to have the doll appraised by a third party to make sure you have all the pricing information you need.
    • Do pawn shops buy porcelain dolls? A pawn shop may buy porcelain dolls, but they need to make a profit, so you won’t get top dollar.
  3. 3
    Take extremely valuable dolls to an auction house. If you’re selling an extremely valuable doll, you may have better luck working with an auction house that specializes in dolls and toys, like Theriault’s or Frasher’s . Specialty auction houses tend to have a better idea of what the current demand for dolls is. They also usually have a customer list that they can alert when there’s an upcoming auction.
    • Therialt’s also offers a team of appraisers to help you get a realistic estimate for your doll’s worth.
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Section 5 of 6:

History of Porcelain Doll Collecting

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  1. Porcelain dolls became a status symbol during the Victorian Era. Many porcelain dolls depicted fashionable, high-society ladies with lavish clothing. These dolls were much too expensive for anyone but the wealthy to afford, so they began to collect them to show their wealth. An economic boom in the U.S. during the 1800s meant middle-class American families had more money to spend on status symbols like children’s toys. [18]
    • They copied European elites and bought expensive—and breakable—porcelain dolls for their children to show their newfound wealth.
    • Giving such an expensive and delicate toy to a child showed the world that your family had enough money to repair or replace it.
    • People still collect porcelain dolls for many reasons, including historical value, appreciation for the artistry, or they have an emotional connection to them.
Section 6 of 6:

Caring for Vintage & Antique Porcelain Dolls

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  1. 1
    Keep your doll in a climate-controlled location away from direct sunlight. Storing your dolls properly is the best way to maintain their beauty and value. Exposing them to humidity and varying temperatures can cause cracking or warping. Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration. [19]
    • Even electric lighting can cause chemical reactions and heat fluctuations that may damage your dolls.
    • The best place to display your dolls is in a climate-controlled, dimly lit room.
  2. 2
    Put your doll in acid-free packaging for storage. If you’re not displaying your doll, wrap it gently in acid-free paper and place it in an acid-free box . [20] The box should be large enough to hold the doll, but not so large that it can shift around.
    • If you store antique doll clothing separate from the doll, place it flat with acid-free paper padding the sleeves and bodice.
    • Wear white cotton archival gloves so you don’t get acid from your hands on the doll.
    • Avoid using plastic bins or bags to store your dolls. Plastic can trap moisture and cause mildew to form on your dolls.
  3. 3
    Dust and clean gently with a soft brush or microfiber cloth and water. Keep your dolls in a closed closet to avoid as much dust and dirt as possible. Dust them regularly with a soft brush (like a paintbrush) using a light touch. Use a dry microfiber cloth to lightly wipe away any dirt on your doll’s porcelain parts. [21]
    • Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to very gently remove any stubborn stains. Do not rub or you risk removing pigment.
    • Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions or materials to clean your dolls.
    • Don’t put antique doll clothes in your washing machine or dryer.
  4. 4
    Preserve the dolls as they are for the most value. Antique and vintage dolls are generally more valuable if they have not been repaired or restored. However, if you’re keeping the doll for nostalgia or as a beloved heirloom, it might be worth it to you to make repairs or restorations. Most simple breaks can be repaired with plain white glue. [22]
    • Contact a doll hospital to have your doll professionally repaired or restored.
    • If you choose to contact a doll hospital, make sure you get references from past clients and an estimate for the cost and time repairs will take.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dollreference.com/doll-marks/
      2. ↑ https://www.americasantiquemall.com/post/5-beginner-level-tips-for-collecting-vintage-dolls
      3. ↑ https://hobbyzeal.com/how-to-identify-antique-porcelain-dolls
      4. ↑ https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/lifestyle/around-town/2012/09/27/condition-features-key-to-doll/21633953007/
      5. ↑ https://www.dollreference.com/antique-china-head-dolls/
      6. ↑ https://antique-marks.com/how-to-identify-antique-bisque-dolls.html
      7. ↑ https://www.dollreference.com/antique_bisque_dolls/
      8. ↑ https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Parian-doll/341472
      9. ↑ https://www.odu.edu/article/rare-19th-century-doll-represents-significant-addition-to-barry-art-museum-collection
      1. ↑ https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22200/lot/19/an-extremely-rare-and-unique-kammer-and-reinhardt-108-bisque-head-character-doll/
      2. ↑ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/antique-doll-sells-for-300000-and-sets-new-world-auction-record-253044661.html
      3. ↑ https://www.theriaults.com/events/listing/15707/french-bisque-art-character-doll-by-albert-marque-original-dress-historical-label
      4. ↑ https://www.theriaults.com/events/listing/46066/extremely-rare-french-bisque-artist-doll-by-albert-marque-with-original-body
      5. ↑ https://www.theriaults.com/events/listing/59690/extremely-rare-french-doll-by-albert-marque-with-m
      6. ↑ https://www.theriaults.com/events/listing/9872/french-bisque-art-character-225-jumeau-couturier-costume-parasol-original-box
      7. ↑ https://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/dolls-selling-guide/
      8. ↑ https://www.getsafeonline.org/business/articles/selling-on-ebay/
      9. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-porcelain-dolls-became-the-ultimate-status-symbol-180980945/
      10. ↑ http://theantiquesalmanac.com/caringforyourantiquedolls.htm
      11. ↑ https://familytreemagazine.com/preservation/heirlooms/caring-for-heirloom-dolls/
      12. ↑ http://theantiquesalmanac.com/caringforyourantiquedolls.htm
      13. ↑ http://theantiquesalmanac.com/caringforyourantiquedolls.htm

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