The Collector’s Minute: Ellis Maple Dolls (9/20/10)
Identification of dolls can be difficult, hindered by the fact many are unmarked, some manufacturers made parts for other … More >>

Reproduction or Antique? How Best to Enhance a Doll Collection (3/24/09)
When talking with a doll collector, the conversation inevitably turns to those dolls that make up our “dolly dreams.” We … More >>

How Much Is That Dolly In The Window? (2/24/09)
In the world of antiques, just because something is old does not make it particularly valuable. Likewise, just because a … More >>

A Life Well Lived (11/17/08)
A Life Well Lived By Laurie McGill On June 18, 2008 I turned on my computer to find an email from the Tudor Family: More >>

The Parisian Poupée….French Fashion Dolls (10/12/08)
The exact purpose of French Fashion dolls have caused much speculation. There are few if any unaware that Paris, France has a long history of defining what the current ideals of fashion and beauty are. More >>

Goodyear Rubber Head Dolls (10/12/08)
American Charles Goodyear was born in 1800 and died in 1860. His father Amasa Goodyear was a pioneer in the manufacture of American hardware and was the inventor of a steel hayfork which replaced the heavy iron fork. The invention of the steel hay fork expedited and thus lightened the labor of field work. His father also manufactured the first pearl buttons made in America. More >>

Doll Collecting Traces Roots to the 18th Century (10/7/08)
Organized Doll Collecting Traces Roots to the 18th Century By Laurie McGill More >>

Doll Terminology (10/6/08)
Doll Terminology By Laurie McGill The following is a list of frequently used doll terms, based in part on the Glossary, published by the United Federation of Doll Clubs in 1978, and Jan Foulke’s 12th Blue Book of Dolls & Values, published by Hobby House Press, Inc. All-Bisque: a miniature doll, typically under 12 inches, made entirely of bisque. More >>

Wax Dolls…Poured, Reinforced or Wax Over? (9/28/08)
The production of wax dolls began in the late 1700′s and continued into the early 1900′s. The vast majority of poured wax dolls were produced in England by doll makers such as Pierotti, Montanari, Meech, Peck and Marsh. Henry Pierotti made the first baby dolls and used the children of Queen Victoria as models. These dolls are known as Royal Model Babies. More >>

Early Papier Mache Dolls….Delicate Beauties (9/26/08)
China invented Papier mache and was using it during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) to make helmets which were covered with many layers of lacquer to strengthen them. If you check the dictionary for the etymology of Papier Macheit it is French and literally means chewed paper. More >>