Because we never Know!

Just when I think I'm going to give it all up and have a new eBay career, something happens to motiviate me and inspire me. I have my "aha" moment re the world of doll collecting. I was surfing eBay recently, and found out I had some real treasures. I only talk money because it is a way for us to value our collectibles; I have no intention of selling, but I identified one of my thrift shop doll-diamonds in the rough as a Brigite Deval procelain doll.

Then, I recognized another of my "inmates." About three years ago I bought to reproduction dolls, beautifully dressed, as a pair. One is large, about 27 inches, and the other, her twin except in size, is about 12-16 inches. They were artist dolls, and the clothes are magnificent. I thought they were both Bru rerpos., but the smaller one as it turns out is an A.T. repro, and she is worth nearly $800 alone.

I was floored. I bought them because I loved them, and because I love to display them. I also saw Pat Loveless dolls going for between $100 and nearly $1000 dollars. About 8 years ago, I paid $35.00 for a black version of the Tete Jumeau. Actually, people got tired of seeing reproduction dolls at dolls shows, but few make them now. There is a lot of workmanship in these dolls, and alot of artistry. They are expensive to make, and are often better made than their high end antique couterparts. They serve a purpose when not involved in a fraud, especially; they teach new collectors about doll history and serve as an example of what was. They are also becoming old themselves; some of Emma Clear's dolls will soon be 75 years old. My first reproducton dolls are well over forty years old, so go figure. I bought two at an estate sale this weekend on compo, Seeley bodies, I think. One is another Tete Jumeau, dresse in pink and maroon with a wide, pleated bonnet and French shoes. The other is also about 24 in. high, and is an A.T. with blonde wig. She is dressed as a snow angel, in off white silk. Both are fantastic dolls, made by an acquaintance of mine who used to be well-known as an artist. She didn't sell many of the dolls she made; she was creating her own collection of "antique dolls" because as a child of The Depression, she did not have any dolls growing up. My grandmother was the same way; she loved dolls, but didn't have any till she was older and my family brought them to her from trips. These dolls were the seeds of my collection. So, you never, never know! For those who want to buy my book on Dolls, it is no longer on eBay. You may contact me directly to buy it.