I've found a very old doll. Where can I find the value?

Answer 1

Kovels does not specialize in dolls, so that may not work. But your first task is to identify the doll, if you have not already done so. The easiest way to start on that would be to go to eBay for dolls, and look at all the pictures to search for a match. The face should match exactly, but the clothes won't necessarily. Sometimes the clothes are not original, and sometimes they are, but different from the one in the photo.

Once you have identified it using eBay, you have an "order of magnitude" estimate of its value based on the value of the ones sold on eBay. But eBay is not the only place to get antique dolls, or even old but not yet antiques.

Then there is the problem of reproductions. If you put the name of the doll, as discovered from eBay or elsewhere on the Internet, or from having to go to the library and research photos of dolls in special collectors' books, then you can also put that name into a search engine and see what you get. You may find, for example, that this doll has been reproduced in recent years, and what you actually have is a newer doll than you thought. If, however, it has been reproduced in recent years but what you have you can prove to be original (how long family members recall it's being around; the box it came in, which will show the age, certain fine details of difference such as the types of trim and fasteners used), then it is all the more valuable for that reproduction, which focuses attention on the originals.

Ultimately, it may pay you to check with an expert, because the condition of the doll is much of its value, along with its rarity. Both of those are areas where it is easy to be fooled if you are inexperienced.

You can also send a photo and description to Doll Reader Magazine, or to Dolls Magazine, and probably others, and have their experts tell you what you have. Just buy a copy of the most recent edition of either magazine, and there will be a form to use to submit your photo and description.

Do NOT sell her until you know what she is really worth; you will almost certainly be ripped off.

Answer 2

First of all, do you know what kind of doll it is? You can check for marks on the back or the head to determine the manufacturer, if it's unmarked (and many are) it may be a bit more difficult. There are alot of good websites to help you id your doll. www.dollreference.com is one of the best. If you still need additional help the people at ebay's doll board will be glad to help you if you ask them nice and supply a picture. After you know who your doll is and who made it you can search ebay's completed auctions to see what they are going for right now. Condition is very important in determining price as is original clothing and accessories, but the value of a doll is never set in stone. Doll prices fluctuate. Right now, because of the approaching holiday prices will be higher.

Feel free to look at my collection to help determine the age of your doll and possibly ID her.

http://www.proud-collector.com/36/1/collection.aspx

Answer 3

i had a doll it was 80 years old antique dealer bought it for 100 dollars from me,im sure i got taken,it depends on the shape its in,but first go to ebay and look at old dolls there,then run a auction on it,does it have a porcelain face? is it clothed ? mine had a slight crack,infact on the head of the doll it was peeling, but it was in good shape, if i seen a pic of it i would prob know how old it was, but hang on to that and do not give it up like i did, if its older then 80 years

Answer 4

Go to any news stand, they have magazines there for things like that, baseball cards toys ect. They should have one for dolls also.

Hope this helps

Keith

Answer 5

antique roadshow

Answer 6

I think at www.ebay.com

Answer 7

www.Kovels.com