little
girls since they first appeared in the 1940s. The huge numbers
produced over recent decades - first in America and then Britain -
allow plenty of scope for anyone interested in
Plastic
was the toymakers' ideal material, allowing them to produce dolls
that were light, hygienic, hard- wearing, and inexpensive. Post-World
War II dolls in this novel medium were snapped up by an enthusiastic
public.
By the late 1950s, the hard plastic of the early years had
been replaced by a softer vinyl. With so many of these dolls still in
existence, condition is vital. Desirability is also increased by a
rare or appealing design, or by a well-known maker.
The
American doll designer Mary Hoyer began making hard plastic dolls in
1946. They were distinguished by curled hair and elaborate outfits,
often homemade by their owners, using special knitting or sewing
patterns.
In
1945 Beatrice Behrman - trading as Madame Alexander of the New
York-based Alexander Doll Co. (established 1923) - introduced one of
the earliest ranges of currently collectable plastic dolls.
She
featured characters from films, books, and cartoons, as well as
celebrities. Her dolls are marked either on the back or elsewhere on
the body, and some have name tags attached to their A clothes.
plastic doll |
Among
her most sought-after
dolls are the Little Women' series based on Louisa M. Alcott's books.
Examples in mint condition with their original clothing and
hairstyles can fetch anything between £30 and £500.
Dolls
made by the Vogue Doll Co. in the 1950s will now generally cost
£200-500. again if in good condition with their clothes and hair
unchanged.
Sasha
dolls were a triumph of the 1960s. These realistic-looking dolls - a
boy CGregor') or a girl ('Sasha') — had dark or fair hair, brown or
blue eyes, different skin colours, and everyday play clothes.
They
were designed to break down cultural stereotypes, and were made by
different manufacturers in different countries.
In Britain they were
produced by Trendon Toys from 1965. Authentic clothing and a swing
tag on the wrist will add value, as will the
doll's general condition, especially if the long hair on the female
model is uncut.
plastic doll |
During
the 1950s the Pedigree brand was a favourite in Britain, and its
Rosebud dolls were well loved f by many young children.
As a result, the
condition of thesedolls
is often poor - check them for damage to fingers and toes, as many
owners painted their baby's nails. Some types had washable hair, so
make sure that it hasn't been spoiled by any washing and that it is
still in its original style. Sleeping eyes should open and close and
eyelashes should be intact. Missing or replaced clothes will lower
the value.
British
National Dolls Ltd specialised in newborn baby dolls with hair that
was shaped and moulded as part of the doll's head, then sometimes
given a painted finish. Many dolls even had 'mama' voice boxes.
Most
are missing their original clothes, which reduces their already
modest value (£-30-50 or less). Other 'newborns' include Palitoy's
Tiny Tears', launched in 1965
Cartoons
and illustrations gave rise to many character dolls. One of the most
popular was Kewpie, with her starfish- shaped hands, small wings'
over the ears, tiny eyebrows, and appealing face.
As a result of the
variety of different types, sizes, and materials available, as well
as the range of prices, Kewpie dolls make an excellent collection on
their own. Licences were issued to various companies who produced
inexpensive plastic Kewpies from the late 1940s and 50s; some pirate
versions were also made.
plastic doll |
Googly
dolls, with their large, goo- goo' eyes, were first produced in
bisque by various German makers. Later plastic versions were made by
a number of lesser-known manufacturers. These plastic dolls can often
be found for under £100. Googly dolls with mischievous expressions
are more collectable..
Avoid any doll with hair that has been altered by its owner -
cut,
restyled, or damaged by washing or brushing.
- Choose dolls that are clean, with unstained plastic. Butover-enthusiastic cleaning hasn't damaged the surface
- of the plastic.
- Also make sure to Look for original accessories and packaging - especially the box - as these will enhance
- the value.
- Search for dolls with makers' tags still attached, as this also adds value.
- Look for one of the following marks to indicate Madame Alexander dolls: 'MmeAlexander', 'Alexander', or 'Alex'.
- Beware of unauthorised Japanese- made Kewpies without a proper label.
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