Antique dolls are a popular item to collect amongst doll enthusiasts. Antique dolls were made during a time when attention to detail and craftsmanship were paramount. Doll competitors were similar to toy companies today, and tried to make the most realistic looking doll, as opposed to dolls today having functional capabilities. Dolls from the 18th century were made of wood, and considered prized, especially if they are in good condition. The wooden antique dolls from the 1700’s are rare. Dolls from the 19th century were most lifelike, with the introduction of certain materials that gave a doll face a realistic look, and jointed doll body functionality. There were simpler dolls meant to be played with; such as sawdust body dolls, and dolls that were meant to dress up in pretty costumes, such as jointed composition dolls. Most antique dolls are considered highly collectible, especially if they are rare, from noted doll makers of the past, and in good condition.
Porcelain Dolls
Antique porcelain dolls sometimes have a smooth shiny glazed face, with detailed and expressive eyes. Most antique porcelain dolls were made with glass eyes, which gave the doll face itself a realistic look. Quality glass eyes are one of the factors for identifying antique porcelain dolls, and antique dolls in general. Another thing to look for are painted on eyebrows, masterfully applied with a small tip brush, in a combination of fine lines. Remember the doll makers of the time were artisans, and they painted eyebrows and face make-up in a precise way.
Bisque Dolls
Antique bisque dolls have a smooth texture to the surface, or a matte look. The bisque doll will look like unglazed white clay, and were generally jointed. The face make-up is phenomenal on antique bisque dolls; with rosy-colored cheeks, and glass eyes. Often the hair on antique bisque dolls were made of human hair wigs, sewn onto the crown of the head.
Antique composition dolls often have bigger doll bodies that are jointed, and look like hard plastic, with a shiny surface. The antique composition dolls have antique glass eyes, and human hair wigs. Composition dolls that are antique and over 20 inches in length are considered collectible.
China Head Dolls
China head or molded head dolls have sawdust stuffed bodies, with footed boot bottoms. The face make-up was painted on, and the eyes may or may not be made of glass. Sometimes the eyes were painted on as well. Civil war era china head dolls with molded hair are popular to collect. China head dolls without the body are also popular to collect, and are sometimes referred to as “half dolls.
Half Dolls
Small half dolls from the late 19th to the early 20th century are collectible, and quite lovely. These are the little molded dolls that sat atop pin cushions. The original pin cushion does not have to be attached to these dolls, for they are considered quite collectible as is. The most collectible half dolls are lady half dolls with arms extended, or hats.
