American Pickers

Happy Post Thanksgiving and Black Friday! I've been off due to severe tendinitis and carpal tunnel in my left hand. But, here I am. I've decided that American Pickers, those stars of The History Channel, need me, Dr. E, to avoid costly mistakes! In fairness, I've become addicted after a rare afternoon and evening with Net Flix. After finishing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which hadme riveted, I go into American Pickers. I'd never seen it, though we made one pilgrimage to find their hideout; it was closed up. The stories are great, and the travels intriguing, and it is amazing what people collect and have behind their front doors, an observation Carl Fox made about NY Brownstones forty years ago.

I enjoyed their strategies, tips, and preferences, but I also watched them walk right by a group of paper covered, lithographed toy and doll houses at one location, that I was sure were Bliss. I got the shivers looking at them, and I only get the shivers around something really good in the antique/collectible realm! They boys didnt' have a clue, or just weren't interested, but the Bliss houses can be worth over $1000. Go figure.

We at the museum follow Lovejoy, the antique dealer/detective created by Jonathan Gash. We shiver and have "feelings" when we come across a neglected treasure, and we've learned to keep it to ourselves.

So far, the live-sized Gualtier mannikin on display is keeping her head. I think she gained weight since I bought her many years ago. I had to carry her up to the exhibit. It wasn't easy. And, I had to re-attach her head. She does look happy in that sled, though. Photos to follow.

Woodsy Owl was finally reclaimed; after he was washed, disinfected, dried, and sort of reshaped, I made him a slipcover with an owl appliqued mask. He is now preserved and santized from the ravages of the great flood disaster the dolls and I survived a couple years ago. In the words of the late but immortal Genevieve Angione, "All Dolls are Collectible!"

There are many interesting dolls out there this Xmas, including Video Girl Barbie who is spawning lots of controversy. Not that I'm happy about it, but if cell phones do it, well . . . Another Shirley, a Patseyette, several Nancy Anns, and some lovely compos have joined our family, as well as some great Alexanders.

I had a long journey finding Egypt by Madame. I may as well have gone there. I finally found a dealer who had her, a lovely lady with a family owned business. I just wish she had her figures staight. The "discount" she gave me, which I paid before she even sent the doll, turned out to be "low." After a lot voodoo economics, I got a phone call asking for $15.00 more. I'm sending it, but I'm not the one who sent the price. The doll is bought, paid for,and in my possession. Dr. E's is not under any legal duty to pay more money. I'm doing it out of compassion. But, this is not the greatest way to do business.

On a positive note, our recent trip to American Girl Place was wonderful, and Felicity joined our ranks. There is less acquiring and more refurbishing, restoing, decorating and organizing these days. Museum maintenance is important.

At this time of year, I like to review all the dolls my mother contributed, restored, and dressed. Christmas meant new clothes for several of my dolls, that disappeared in the weeks before Xmas, but reappeared on Christmas Eve in a gaily wrapped package with a whole new outfit, even new shoes and hairdos.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and more to come from Dr. E's!