Porcelain Collectible Dolls - A Guide to Essentials
By Simon Harris

Archaeologists tell us that dolls have been around for a long, long time -- thousands of years in fact. Ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians and Greeks, had them. When dolls were used primarily as a children's playthings they were usually constructed very simply, using everyday materials such as wood or clay or stone.

As human society moved into the industrial period, it became possible to produce less crude, and more refined toys such as dolls. Whereas in previous generations little girls may have played with dolls that were very simply made out of leftover fabrics and stuffed with leaves and straw -- today's young girls play with dolls which are anatomically correct and equipped with high fashion accessories. And there is perhaps no other area of doll collecting which is more popular today than porcelain doll collecting.

Porcelain Dolls -- the Manufacturing Process

Porcelain is actually a highly refined form of clay. In the manufacturing process of porcelain dolls, water and clay are mixed together. This clay in a liquid state (or at least a very runny state) is then poured or injected into a head mold. The mold is then placed into an oven and baked at thousands of degrees of temperature. The porcelain head (and the head is usually what is made of porcelain) can then be embellished with facial features.

In addition, porcelain doll heads are typically glazed after being decorated. This glazing adds strength and durability to the porcelain. You may find some dolls being advertised as "Bisque" -- this is simply porcelain that has been left unglazed. As you might imagine, Bisque is very fragile.

The Value of Provenance

Porcelain collectible dolls most likely to increase in value will be dolls that have a provenance. The provenance of any collectible is the history surrounding the manufacture and ownership of the item: where it was made, by whom, when it was made, who owned it, where it was seen, where it was used, where it traveled to, etc.

The value of provenance is that it helps to "anchor" a collectible item in time and in history. A documented provenance also helps to ensure that the item is not a forgery or a reproduction. Whenever possible, try to ensure that any porcelain dolls that you add to your collection have such a documented history.

Do Your Research!

Before making a purchase made sure to research the piece thoroughly. Look for any distinctive identifying markings on your doll -- markings and numberings are often found near the neck or head, or sometimes along the back of the doll. Note the overall size, as well as any accessories that may be included with your doll.

Once you have carefully examined the piece that you wish to purchase, you can consult a number of different printed or Internet sources in an effort to locate and verify the manufacturer, date, and place of manufacture.

It is essential that you learn to do your own research before making purchases. Over a period of time you must build up a storehouse of knowledge -- if you do not, you will always be forced to depend on the knowledge of third party "experts".

What Can Affect the Value of Porcelain Collectible Dolls?

Of course one of the things that can significantly impact the value of any porcelain collectible doll is the overall condition of the piece. Porcelain that is cracked or chipped, or possessing areas where the paint has come off, will be worth less than dolls that are in pristine condition.

Another thing that can affect the value of your doll are its accessories. If your doll has its original accessories (such as shoes and hats and purses) it will be worth more than just the doll itself. In addition, possessing the original packaging (box or other container) will help to increase your porcelain dolls' value.

One final thought about accessories: it is very easy to take an older doll whose accessories are in tatters and replace those accessories with ones that are in better condition. For this reason, make sure that any accessories the doll comes with are genuine. Be suspicious of porcelain collectible dolls which are marketed as being very old, but which possesses clothing or other accessories which seem to be very new -- especially if the fabrics seem like they are synthetics, as these types of fabrics were not developed until much later.