Adults and children alike can enjoy the hobby of collecting dolls. The choice of enchanting dollies one can add to her collection ranges from the delicate china ones to the huggable soft dolls with stuffed bodies made of cloth like the celebrated Raggedy Ann and Andy. A collector should have a good idea of what factors can affect the price of these treasured playthings, and also how to give them the care they require to last and stay looking lovely.
The doll’s era often plays a big part in determining how valuable it will be considered on the market. Typically antique and collectible dolls will fetch a higher price than newer ones, but not always. An informed buyer will also be aware of particular details to note which are tell-tale marks of quality such as hairstyle, features, stitching, and even the clothing they are wearing.
Over time a doll may develop worn spots, holes, or cracks, but in many cases these minor imperfections can be effectively repaired by a toy restoration expert. A doll that is damaged will be less expensive and it can result in collectors getting a good deal on an otherwise pricey item.
How in demand and popular a doll is also plays a major role in determining how much it’s worth. Doll buyers whose goal is to select items for resale will need to research market prices for the dolls they are looking to purchase, but they must realize that these are normally based on a mint condition doll, so those in poorer shape will go for less.
A cloth dolly can be part of an adult collector’s prized collection or it may be a child’s best friend. In either case it may eventually benefit from being cleaned so it stays looking nice. It’s important to exercise caution when attempting to clean a doll however, as to prevent permanent damage. Cleaning properly can rejuvenate a doll’s appearance and help preserve it.
Before attempting to clean it, one must determine which materials it is made from. If there is a label, it should state this information, and if not some careful investigation will help reveal the safest cleaning technique. Dabbing the back of the doll’s body with a damp cloth is a good way to see if the dyes in the fabric bleed or run, if they do, contact with water should be avoided.
Dolls that can be washed, should then have their stuffing taken out via a slight opening in one seam. Next, washing can be done using either a gentle baby shampoo or a detergent for fine washables, thorough rinsing to wash out any residue, wringing out, and finally hanging to dry can then be carried out. When the body is completely dry, stuffing can be put back and the seam neatly sewn up.
Dolls in reasonably good condition made of cotton fabric, which contain polyester stuffing and have acrylic yarn hair, can even be washed in the gentle cycle of the washing machine with regular detergent and hot water. If they have no plastic parts sewn onto them, they be tumble dried on low heat, but in most cases air drying on a line is recommended.
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