Doll collecting is a popular hobby amongst both old and young. The types of these endearing toys one can collect are many, some prefer those made from china or plastic, while others are drawn to the heart-warming appeal of soft dolls, stuffed and made with cloth such as the iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy. Collectors should be aware of factors that influence the price of these playthings and they should also know how to properly care for and preserve them.
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.
Things like being played with and simply aging can cause a doll to develop a crack, hole, or worn-out spot, but in most instances such minor flaws can be fixed by someone who specializes in toy restoration. Valuable dolls with signs of wear or damage can often be bought for a great, low price and then restored to their former glory.
The overall popularity and demand of a particular doll also has a big impact on how much the asking price for it is. Buyers who are primarily shopping for dolls they can resell should first consult some of the useful pricing guides, yet they need to be aware of the fact that such prices are typically representative of mint condition dolls and those with light wear or damage will fetch a somewhat lower price.
Cloth dolls can be both cherished collectibles in an adult's collection or the loveable pal of a child. Whatever role they play, it will eventually be a good idea to clean them. This must be done cautiously however, to avoid ruining the doll's appearance. Proper cleaning can help freshen up the doll's looks and preserve its condition.
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.
If the doll's exterior proves to be washable, the stuffing will need to first be removed unless it happens to be polyester. The outside of the doll's body can be washed with a mild baby shampoo or fine washables detergent, thoroughly rinsed to remove all residue, wrung out, and then hung on a drying rack. Once fully dried, the doll's stuffing can be replaced and the seam where it was taken out can then be neatly stitched back 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.
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.
Things like being played with and simply aging can cause a doll to develop a crack, hole, or worn-out spot, but in most instances such minor flaws can be fixed by someone who specializes in toy restoration. Valuable dolls with signs of wear or damage can often be bought for a great, low price and then restored to their former glory.
The overall popularity and demand of a particular doll also has a big impact on how much the asking price for it is. Buyers who are primarily shopping for dolls they can resell should first consult some of the useful pricing guides, yet they need to be aware of the fact that such prices are typically representative of mint condition dolls and those with light wear or damage will fetch a somewhat lower price.
Cloth dolls can be both cherished collectibles in an adult's collection or the loveable pal of a child. Whatever role they play, it will eventually be a good idea to clean them. This must be done cautiously however, to avoid ruining the doll's appearance. Proper cleaning can help freshen up the doll's looks and preserve its condition.
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.
If the doll's exterior proves to be washable, the stuffing will need to first be removed unless it happens to be polyester. The outside of the doll's body can be washed with a mild baby shampoo or fine washables detergent, thoroughly rinsed to remove all residue, wrung out, and then hung on a drying rack. Once fully dried, the doll's stuffing can be replaced and the seam where it was taken out can then be neatly stitched back 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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