Frequently Asked Questions
Collecting Dolls
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What
is an antique doll?
The classic definition of an antique is an item that is 100
years old or older. However, because many German porcelain factories
were producing the same doll heads, from the same molds, from the
1880's through the 1920's, doll dealers typically classify an antique
doll as one manufactured during or prior to the 1920's. A doll recently
made from an antique mold is not an antique doll. Nor is an antique-style
reproduction doll. The National
Antique Doll Dealers Association allows dolls made up to 1949
to be exhibited at their doll shows. Debra's Dolls sells dolls produced
during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
Can you tell me about new dolls?
We recently started selling new dolls by established doll companies
(including Madame Alexander) because
of customer interest in these items. All of the new dolls we sell
are hand-selected for their timeless appeal and old-fashioned charm.
However, because we're brand new to the world of new dolls, we are
not yet experts in this area.
Do you make the dolls or the clothing?
No. The majority of the dolls, doll clothing, and accessories
we sell at Debra's Dolls are antique. We recently started offering
vintage dolls (circa 1960's and earlier), reproduction doll clothing
by Theriault's, and modern dolls by companies including Madame
Alexander.
We do not personally manufacture any of the dolls or clothing available
through our store.
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When is the shop
open?
Debra's Dolls is open from 12 noon until 4 pm on Thursdays,
Fridays, & Saturdays. Convenient daytime and evening appointments
are also available. Occasionally, Debra's Dolls closes for vacation
or in order to exhibit at a doll show. Always check the Home
Page of our web site for updates on our shop hours. Of course,
our online store never closes.
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What is NADDA? What
is UFDC?
NADDA stands for the National Antique Doll Dealers Association,
of which Debra's Dolls has been a member since 1995. UFDC is the
United Federation of Doll Clubs, which Debra Gulea is a member at
large of and a judge specializing in wax and papier mache dolls.
For more information on both organizations, go to our UFDC
& NADDA page, which also has links to the UFDC and NADDA
web sites.
What type of antique
dolls should I collect?
Buy what you love, and buy the best you can afford. Quality
is more important than quantity. For more collecting hints, check
out our Top Ten Tips for the Beginning Collector.
Should I be afraid of
owning an antique wax doll?
No. A wax doll is
like a candle. It will not melt unless placed in a very hot place,
such as in an attic or by a fireplace. You can, however, scratch
a wax doll, so it is important to remove jewelry before handling
one. Keep in mind that many antique wax dolls have survived centuries
in excellent condition. You do not have to worry about owning
an antique wax doll. For more information on antique wax dolls,
visit our Study Page.
I am looking to buy a particular antique doll. Can you help me
locate it?
Possibly. Please email
Debra with information on the doll you'd like to buy, and you
will be notified if such a doll becomes available for sale through
Debra's Dolls in the future. Please include size, maker, and condition
for the doll you desire.
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How do I learn more
about antique dolls?
There are many ways in which you can enhance your knowledge
of antique dolls. Read as many doll books as you can, attend doll
shows & doll related events, join a doll club affiliated with
UFDC, and check out our Articles pages
for interesting articles on antique dolls. If you have a specific
question regarding an antique doll, email Debra for assistance.
How do you determine
the value of an antique doll?
There are many factors that help to assess the value of an antique
doll, including type, rarity, condition, and originality. The visual
appeal of a doll also can add to its value. There are many price
guides on the market, and these are helpful in determining a typical
value range. However, these books should be viewed as guides only,
because prices of dolls vary greatly.
To find out about available
price guides, go to our Books page.
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Will my doll go up in value?
Antique dolls will go up in value over time if they are well maintained.
Prices for antique dolls have steadily risen during the last 50
years. Some dolls have gone up astronomically in value, whereas
others have increased at a slower rate. It is impossible to predict
how much any given doll will be worth in the future. Vintage dolls
and new dolls produced by well-established doll firms are also considered
by many to be solid investments.
How should I display
my dolls?
Antique dolls should be displayed with love and care. Choose
a safe place for your doll collection, and a location where the
dolls can be enjoyed every day. A glass showcase keeps dust to a
minimum, and is ideal place to display your dolls. If you prefer
to display a doll in a piece of doll furniture, make sure that the
doll is securely fastened to the furniture. I use a pretty ribbon
to tie dolls into highchairs, for example. Direct sunlight is never
a good idea, as it will fade the colors of antique doll clothing.
Never place a wax doll near a source of heat, such as a fireplace.
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Still have a question?
Email Debra.
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