Frequently
Asked Questions
Doll RestorationBack
to FAQ Home For
how many years has Debra’s Dolls been offering doll restoration services?
Debra’s Dolls began offering
doll restoration services shortly after opening the Mullica Hill, NJ shop in 1995. Do
you restore the dolls yourself?
No. We employ Andrea Salkowe, a doll restoration artist with over 20 years of experience in repairing dolls, does all of the restoration work for Debra's Dolls. For more information on Andrea, please check out our Doll Restoration
Page.
(Top
of page) How
long does it take to complete an order?
Due to the quality of the work provided and the volume of dolls restored by our doll hospital, please allow 12-24 weeks for the completion of your doll restoration project.
(Top
of page) How
does restoration effect the value of my doll?
This is a difficult
question. In some cases doll restoration can enhance the value of your doll, and
in some cases it can detract from the value of your doll. A good cleaning and
restringing always is of benefit to old dolls. Repainting should only be done
when absolutely necessary, when the original surface of the doll is so badly damaged
that the doll has lost all appeal. In most instances it is best to preserve original
finishes at all costs. A severely cracked doll head can only have its value enhanced
by a quality doll restoration. Contact Debra
for advice on your doll restoration project. (Top
of page) Is
it always a good idea to restore an antique doll?
No. Oftentimes
an old doll is best left as it is. Debra can advise you if your doll should be
restored. (Top
of page)
Will
I be able to tell that my doll has been restored?
Yes and no. Most
of our repair work is virtually invisible to the naked eye, however repainting
can be visible if the doll is inspected with a black light, and professional bisque
restoration work can often be seen if the inside of the head is viewed. (Top
of page) What
if I am unhappy with the restoration work?
Most of the work we perform on dolls can be redone or undone, and we are happy to make changes if you are not satisfied with our work, or provide a refund when deemed appropriate.
(Top
of page) How do
I go about having my doll restored?
Email Debra with specifics concerning
your doll's damages to receive an estimate for restoration and packing instructions.
You can also bring your doll into the shop anytime for a free restoration estimate.
If you would like to speak to our "Doll Doctor" directly, please come
to the shop on special events days (see our Events page
for more info).
(Top
of page) Do
I need an appointment to bring my doll to the shop in order to have it restored?
No. Just bring the doll in during regular business hours. If you
would like to meet with our Doll Doctor in person, please ask
Debra when Andrea is next
scheduled to work at the shop. (Top
of page) Will
my doll look “brand new” after it has been restored?
No. We strive to replicate old, original, worn finishes so that the new repair
work can blend seamlessly with the original finish. Antique dolls should look
clean and display-ready, but never “new”. Is
my doll insured while in your care?
In the unlikely event of breakage
or damage, all dolls here for restoration services are covered under Debra's Dolls
shop insurance policy. We are covered for theft, fire, other natural disasters,
and breakage while in our possession (however, we are not covered for damage that
could result from the restoration process.) To our knowledge, we are the only
insured doll restorer in the area, and to date we have never had a doll damaged
while in our possession. All dolls are handled with expert care. (Top
of page) I would
like to restore my doll by myself. Can you tell me how to do it?
Though
we would be happy to sell you a book on doll restoration (see our Books
page), Debra's Dolls does not offer doll restoration classes or provide restoration
tips. We also do not sell restoration supplies. (Top
of page) Should
I buy an antique doll that is damaged, or one that has been restored?
There is nothing wrong with buying a damaged or restored antique doll. However,
the doll should be represented accurately, with all repairs or restorations noted,
and should be priced accordingly. A bisque doll with a damaged or repaired head
is usually worth about 50% less than a perfect example. An eye chip typically
reduced the value 10-15%. Wig pulls, piercing hole flakes, and mold flaws (in
my experience) do not reduce the value of a doll, nor does discreet touchup repainting
on a doll's body. However, a totally repainted body usually devalues the doll
$100. (Top
of page)
Do you sell restored dolls?
Debra's Dolls offers
for sale only the highest quality antique dolls. If there has been a minor restoration,
such as touchup repainting or the reconstruction of a finger, it is noted in the
item description. (Top
of page)
Are your dolls "put together"?
The
term "put together" refers to an antique doll (or other antique item)
that has been newly assembled from a variety of antique parts. The dolls at Debra's
Dolls are not "put together" dolls. All of the heads are original to
the bodies, and all of the parts are original. If for some reason there is a doll
in inventory that is suspected to have a body that is of the era but perhaps not
original to the head, then that doll is said to have an appropriate body. (Top
of page)
How important is it that the head is original to the
body?
Though it is most desirable for an antique doll to retain its original
body, it is totally acceptable for an antique doll head to be on an appropriate
body. In order for the body to be appropriate, it must be the correct type of
body that is typically found with the head, and of the correct size and era. Some
dolls, including German china head dolls, were frequently sold by the factories
as heads alone. In the case of these heads, an appropriate body would be a homemade
cloth body that is of the right period and size. (Top
of page)
What is original clothing, and how important is it that
a doll has it?
Original clothing does not just mean antique clothing or
clothing from the same period as the doll. Rather, the term means clothing that
was originally worn by that exact doll. The clothing can be either homemade by
the dollís first owner or her family, or factory made clothing that was
sold with the doll. Most antique dolls do not retain their original clothing.
If the doll is no longer wearing its original clothing, it should be costumed
in antique clothing from the same period during which the doll was manufactured.
Because antique dolls that retain their original clothes and shoes are rare, they
typically command 50% or more in price. A doll that is in new clothing is not
as valuable as one wearing antique or original clothing. All of the dolls sold
by Debra's Dolls wear antique or original clothing. If you have an antique doll
that is not appropriately dressed, we have many antique doll dresses, shoes, and
clothing accessories currently available for sale. Visit our Dresses
& Shoes page, or go to Hats & Accessories. (Top
of page) How do
you clean & preserve antique doll clothing?
We individually hand wash
antique doll clothing, and do not use bleach. We carefully mend any tears, and
replace antique buttons when necessary. We do not embellish the clothing in any
way. If an item has undergone alterations, it is noted in the item description.
(Top
of page)
Where can
I find more information on preserving my antique doll? Debra
Gulea is quoted as a doll preservation authority in Country Living's "Country
Dolls" article; Debra's tips on preservation and conservation are presented
in this piece. Still
have a question? Email Debra. Back
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