By using on-line retailers, collectors may also find forums that are specially dedicated to collecting dolls, which can be of some help to them in collecting these antique dolls. Searching for dolls on-line is really simple and will enable collectors to search for dolls that are actually located all over the world. Of course, collectors do prefer to examine dolls prior to purchasing them and may prefer looking at garage sales, flea markets, or antique store for antique dolls instead. However, this may be a much more difficult process of searching for these items, but it does allow the collector the chance to carefully examine the item for authenticity before making any type of purchase.



Proper care is important in helping dolls to maintain their appearance as well as their value. It is greatly important that a collector store their collection of antique dolls in a dust free display case, and that it does not get exposed to direct sunlight. The display case should provide an environment that is constantly cool and dry, which will help to keep the collection of dolls clean and will prevent any fading. The fading can be also be cause from excessive exposure to the sunlight as well as damage from exposure to humidity. Collectors should also know that when antique dolls are placed sheets of acid free tissue paper between the dolls clothes and body will prevent the colors of the clothing from staining the body of the doll. Also, collectors should inspect their collections of dolls that they have stored regularly to ensure that no damage has occurred.

Cleaning antique dolls greatly depends on the type of dolls you have within your collection, because wooden dolls should never get wet due to the fact that they will stain. Collectors should clean antique cloth dolls with corn starch or talcum powder by gently rubbing into the body and leaving it over night. Loose powder can simply be brushed free or cloth dolls can be vacuumed through by placing inside of a pair of nylon pantyhose.

Some collectors will specialize their collections on particular dolls such as Strawberry Shortcake Dolls or Barbie Dolls. Barbie collectors are really fortunate, because they have conventions that are available they can network with other collectors for the purpose of buying, selling, and trading dolls within their collections. These types of conventions are held annually in a variety of different locations and interested collectors can attend these conventions by signing up through the website at Mattel.

Collectors may want to have one or more of their antique dolls appraised to determine the value. To do this the collector should take with them to the appraiser and items that can with the doll such as boxes, letter of authenticity, tags, or any other supporting materials. If a collector is unsure how to find an experienced doll appraisers, then they may contact the National Antique Doll Dealers Association for information on local appraisers who are more than qualified to determine the value of any antique doll within their collection. However, if a collector is simply interested in determining the approximate value of certain dolls within their collection for personal use, then they might want to consult the use of price guides to get the value of their antique dolls. Collectors may also want to consult other collectors who might be more knowledgeable to a certain degree than you on the value of your antique dolls.