We all know that no matter how careful our little girls and boys promise to treat their dolls, there will be accidents – it’s just unavoidable. Whether you’re a serious collector or the parent of a child with a damaged doll, these toys and collectible items often may be in need of a little TLC… Read more »
Celebrity Dolls Through the Years
A trend since paper dolls began being created in the likeness of famous ballerinas in the 1840s, celebrity dolls of all kinds are popular collectors’ items. Toy makers including Mattel, Franklin Mint, Ideal and Madame Alexander have all created versions of their favorite starlets, models and historical figures over the years. Founded in 1923,… Read more »
Get Ready for the 2015 Chicago Toy Show
Calling all avid toy and doll collectors: One of our favorite events is almost here! The 42nd Annual Chicago Toy Show takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2015 and we couldn’t be more excited. With six buildings of the Kane County Fairgrounds filled with more than 600 exhibitors, the event is bursting with antiques,… Read more »
40 Years of R. John Wright Dolls
From Winnie-the-Pooh to Kewpie and Beatrix Potter, R. John Wright has created a variety of classic dolls since the 1970s. With many pieces based on well-known children’s stories, these dolls are a beautifully crafted reminder of childhood memories. Founded by John Wright and his wife Susan, the company has focused on creating high-quality dolls… Read more »
A Brief History of Antique Dollhouses
Dollhouses are timeless, beautiful reminders of childhood for many. These emotionally captivating structures are far more than simple toys to keep kids entertained; they’re historic and sentimental. Many people carry antique dollhouses into adulthood as a passion, and as a reminder of that which they hold so dear to their hearts. Yet some of… Read more »
A Brief History of Barbie
No matter if you’re young or old, male or female, everyone knows Barbie. Barbie was – and still is – a classic doll that many young kids owned and even collected. Barbie was created to prove that women always have choices. Generally speaking, Barbies have always had hundreds of clothing options, hairstyles and… Read more »
New Dolls for a New Generation
Every generation has their own style, language and even their own title. For example, everyone knows the generation born between 1946 and the early 1960s are the Baby Boomers, while those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s are known as Millennials or Generation Y. Both of these generations have their own characteristics… Read more »
A Look at the Past of Steiff Bears
For more than a century, teddy bears have been a popular childhood toy, and even a lifelong keepsake. While many people know that the bears got their name from President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, not as many know the unique history of one German woman and how her family’s designs would go on to impact lives… Read more »
Cleaning Clothing for Antique Dolls
For the avid doll collector, a doll’s wardrobe is just as important and valuable as the doll itself. When antique dolls are appraised, the order and cleanliness of their clothing is taken into high consideration. Whether you collect antique dolls for pleasure or profit, knowing how to properly clean their clothing is a must, if… Read more »
Some Do’s and Don’ts of Doll Collecting
If you are considering beginning a doll collection, you may become dazzled by the sheer volume of different dolls available, but accumulating quantity should not be the goal. If you are going to be displaying your dolls, you must consider the space you have. And doll collecting, like any collections, should be quality and not… Read more »
