Mass Produced Bisque, China and Porcelain Dolls

So, why bother to include modern, mass produced bisque dolls in your collection? In fact, why bother to collect reproductions at all? I know from trying to set up an estate sale for someone that most dealers do not want to handle these dolls, and they price them very low when they do get them, far less than the doll sold for originally. Price guides are just now to include them, but they're usually Franklin mint dolls not made anymore, or Shackman dolls, which have their own following by now. A recent grouping at yard sale, from ten to sixteen inches, was selling from $3.00-5.00 each doll. Originally, they cost from $8.00 to $20.00. These did not have their boxes. Most were dressed in red velvet as Christmas dolls, and there were about 8 dolls total. I confess I bought a couple because they were too cute to leave. I always say my collection runs from the sublime to the ridiculous, so I can include a few dolls like this to compare to antique dolls and artist renditions.

My premise is that collecting is not about money, and I think others, even those in the auction business, have echoed that sentiment. If you like it, and it makes you happy, collect it. Display it proudly, care for it. My next point is, that as Genevieve Angione wrote, "All Dolls are Collectible." Barbie, hard plastic dolls, vinyl and modern dolls of types, half dolls and metal heads were once considered secondaries, or well, "junk." Just look at "The Complete Book of Doll Making and Collecting" by veteran author and doll artists, Helen Young. Not so anymore. These modern porcelain dolls are not made as much any more. They are as ephemeral as paper dolls because they are disposed of so often. They are also a piece of doll history, a stepping stone that bridges trend sin collecting and illustrate the craze for porcelain dolls. Waldas are also a good way to introduce younger people to collecting dolls, and are fun to create wardrobes for. In fact, about 15 years ago, craft stores like JoAnn Fabrics and the now defunct So Fro Fabrics sold undressed models of these dolls so wardrobes could be created for them. Now, the craze, of course, is ball-jointed dolls. In time, they took, will fall out of favor and end up at Goodwill. I've watched this happen with Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Kids, Tickle-Me-Elmos, Furbies, even the odd American Girl. After a while, the craze passes, and they are consigned to a yard sale. Yet, for collectors, these dolls and toys have some intrinsic value. As proof, read Laurie McGill's excellent article on Elizabeth Ann Coleman and her legendary family's doll collection in the current "Doll News." There are mermaid Barbies along with hard plastic forties dolls displayed, and row after row of antique bisques and chinas. The antiques were once "throwaway" items, too, for the most part. It was their appeal and "cuteness" that made people save then, or literally rescue them from dump sites. The same will be true of modern porcelain dolls or Waldas. Waldas can be lovely, and they explain trends in collecting. No, they won't hit the record price of an A. Marque or a good Jumeau, even, but if you want an A. Marque, look for the version made by Dynasty dolls. It will cost you un der $100, and you won't have to mortgage your house. Happy collecting!