Antique Dolls - Fun For The Whole Family
Kids who have a fascination with dolls often grow into doll collectors as adults. Antique dolls are a
specialist interest with a large and ever growing following. They come from various sources all over the world, but French and German dolls
are especially prized. The dolls are made from many different materials, some more durable than others.
For dolls that are damaged, all is not lost. There are doll hospitals, believe it or not, where the
staff specializes 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. In case you're wondering, in order to qualify as antique, a doll
and or clothing item has to be at least one hundred years old. However, collectible dolls typically range anywhere from twenty
five to seventy five or more years old.
Bisque dolls are very popular. These dolls have heads that
are made from unglazed porcelain. Some of these 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, as well.
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.
For many folks 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.
If you would like to start a hobby of doll collecting for you and or your children, just do a search for antique dolls on the
web. You will find pages and pages of information about this wonderful hobby/business. And you would be surprised at what gems in
the rough you can still find in current day garage or yard sales. Have at it - and have some fun!
Antique Dolls
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