Dolls


Hunting for antique and collectible dolls in the world of flea markets is a passion shared by many enthusiasts, often known as plangonophiles whether you are looking to hunt for bargains, sell, or have a model appraised, be it made of celluloid, porcelain, cloth, or wood.

You can find magnificent antique and collectible dolls in our shop.

The oldest dolls are primarily made of wood, leather, papier-mâché, wax, or molded cardboard. They are, above all, collector's items. It is easier to find dolls made of porcelain, cloth, celluloid, or Rhodoid.



  Types of dolls found



•   Porcelain dolls :
Very popular in the 19th century, they feature a porcelain head and realistic eyes. The most famous ones bear the signatures of manufacturers such as Jumeau or Steiner.

•   Antique dolls made of wood, wax, or fabric :
Rarer and more fragile, they often date from before the 19th century.

•   Vintage plastic or celluloid dolls :
Issues du XXe siècle, elles sont plus abordables et marquent l'époque moderne du jouet.



  How can their value be recognized ?



•   Check the back of the neck :
Check the back of the doll's neck or its torso. A mark, name, or serial number is often engraved there.

•   Observe the details :
Original clothing, natural hair, and sleep eyes increase the item's price.

•   General condition :
An intact doll with no cracks in the porcelain is more valuable to collectors.



  How do you estimate the value of an antique doll ?


To determine whether a flea-market find is valuable, experts examine several key criteria :

•   The brand and the signature :
They are generally found engraved on the back of the neck or on the torso. Prestigious signatures such as Jumeau, Armand Marseille, SFBJ, Bru, or Steiner are the most sought-after.

•   The condition of the bisque head :
This is the crucial point. A cracked or broken porcelain or bisque face causes the value to plummet.

•   The authenticity of the attributes :
Realistic eyes (fixed or sleeping), natural hair, and the presence of original clothing and accessories significantly increase the value.




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