Antique Dolls

Little girls who have a fascination with dolls often grow into collectors as adults. Antique dolls are a specialist interest with a large following. They come from various sources but French and German dolls are particularly prized. They are made from different materials, some more durable than others.

For dolls that are damaged, all is not lost. There are doll hospitals where staff are experienced in repairing antique dolls. Collectors also like to have period clothing, wigs and accessories and these too can be restored at doll hospitals. There are many different designs to choose from and a collection could soon fill an entire room! They are a delightful addition to any home and will be appreciated by all generations. To qualify as antique, they have to be at least one hundred years old. Collectible dolls are between twenty five and seventy five years old.

Bisque dolls are very popular. These have heads that are made from unglazed porcelain and some are Pink Bisque dolls with a pink colored tinge. China dolls have heads of glazed porcelain and a sheen surface. Child dolls are the name given to German made dolls with a Bisque head and a dolly face, a term that denotes an open mouth and eyes that open and close. Carton Moule are French or German papier mache antique dolls that have a Bisque head and a life like face. Some papier mache dolls are immersed in wax.

Rag dolls, wholly made from cloth or fabric are popular too, especially with younger children. Some dolls have flirty eyes, meaning that the eyes can move from side to side. Fortune Telling Dolls have fortunes written on bits of paper that are stitched to the doll's skirt. Half Dolls are a head, torso and arms mounted on a pincushion base. Peddler Dolls are modeled on peddlers that sell items in the streets.

It's just as much fun to collect clothing for the dolls. There are charming dresses, socks and pantaloons. Various hats are available, made from French silk, straw or velvet. Shoes are often made from leather and there are also felt slippers and fabric boots. Outfits can be topped off with a silk parasol with a handle made from wood, bone or ivory. The wigs for antique dolls are often made from a mohair material and the doll can have her own comb and hairbrush set. The world of doll collecting extends to accessories, such as porcelain dishes, pitchers and bowls and picnic baskets.

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