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Beatrice Alexander Founded in 1923, the Alexander Doll Company was the brainchild of Beatrice Alexander Behrman, daughter of Jewish immigrants Maurice and Hannah Alexander. Maurice ran the nation’s first doll hospital on the Lower East Side in New York City, and the family lived upstairs. Having grown up witnessing the beloved dolls with broken porcelain heads that appeared for treatment in her father’s doll hospital, Beatrice dreamed of creating an unbreakable doll. The Alexander Doll Company Early in World War I, doll imports from Germany were embargoed, and imports from France were curtailed, and Maurice’s retail business was in trouble. Beatrice set up a doll making business at her kitchen table, crafting dolls with molded fabric faces- dolls with souls, as she put it. Her inspiration came from the elegant Lenci dolls created in Italy by Elena Scavini, who called herself Madame Lenci. Armed with a fancy new name, a dream and $1,600, The Alexander Doll Company was born, featuring dolls designs by its president, Madame Alexander. Madame Alexander’s Scarlett & the Dion Quintuplets By the 1930’s, Madame was selling her dolls to major retailers like FAO Schwarz, Macy’s and Marshall Field’s. While her company produced a good product, what set Alexander Dolls apart was the marketing machine behind it. The Alexander Doll Company was the first to issue a doll based on a licensed character. Their Scarlett O’Hara doll, based on the blockbuster novel and movie was an instant hit. Scarlett was issued in a series of sizes and outfits including Scarlett in mourning, Scarlett in a day dress, Scarlet in a ball gown, and Scarlett visiting Rhett in jail in her outfit made from Miss Ellen’s green velvet draperies. Little girls wanted Scarlett in all her outfits. Also a first in the world of toys were dolls based on real people. Madame Alexander was first on this front, too, with a whole line of dolls based on the British Royal family. Perhaps most famous are the Dionne Quintuplet dolls. Issued in 1935, these dolls generated huge sales as little girls wanted to own all five quints. Collecting Madame Alexander Dolls While Madame Alexander dolls are considered collectible, not every doll is worth a large sum. Because so many were made for so many years (and still are!), there are thousands out there. During the month of June 2008, there were more than 3,000 Mme Alexander dolls offered on eBay, many of which went unsold. Although collector books quote values in the hundreds, a more realistic value for recent common and/or played with dolls seems to be more like $25-50, provided both the doll and original clothing and accessories are intact and in good condition. Vintage Madame Alexander Dolls With a few exceptions, vintage (pre-1960) dolls realize the highest prices, especially those in mint condition in original boxes and complete with wrist tags. Recently, a 1955 8 inch tall version of “Wendy Ready for a Plane Trip” (serial #452) sold for $240. Her best friend and boy next door Bobby, brought $237. An early issue of only one of the Dion quintuplets sold for $113. Early Cissy dolls (Madame Alexander’s fashion doll) seem to do well regardless of condition. A nearly nude Cissy was recently sold on eBay for parts for $80!
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Kids (and Collectors!) Love Fabric Dolls
Kids have always known the delight of snuggling up with a soft toy, and doll collectors have figured this out as well. Until recently, the porcelain doll segment of the doll market commanded the highest prices as well as generating the most interest, but soft dolls, both homemade or by toy manufacturers, have become a popular part of the doll collecting market, in fact, fabric dolls may be a hotter collectible than the fashion and plastic dolls that have dominated the doll collecting scene for years. Hand-made dolls, especially by well-known makers such as Izannah Walker (1813- ?) and Ella Smith are particularly sought after, and in good condition can sell for upwards of $15,000. These charming hand made dolls appeal to doll, primitives, and folk art collectors, and as such, command high crossover dollars.
 Doll Condition
Although collecting purists demand examples in excellent condition, dolls that have clearly been played with and loved, especially antiques are acceptable for collections. While other toy collectors look for mint in box examples, doll aficionados understand that little girls loved their playthings, and that love, lavished on fabric, often leads to visible wear. However, the converse of this appears to be true as well-top dollar is paid for more recent vintage dolls with original clothes in original packaging, for example, a Lenci doll from between 1920-1940 might bring $300 but so might an Annalee clown circa 1970’s.  Introducing Raggedy Ann
Raggedy Ann dolls were originally made by The Volland Company to help sell the adventure stories of Ann & Andy written by John Gruelle to amuse his daughter, Marcella. Published in 1918, journalist John B. Gruelle’s first story, Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson introduces Ann and her mistress Marcella. Marcella finds her grandmother’s old doll while playing in the attic, and after repairing one of Ann’s button eyes, Grandmother gives Marcella the doll. One day, Raggedy Ann leads her dolly pals on a raid of the pantry, where covered in jam and cream, they are discovered by their young owner. Ann’s Brother, Andy, was introduced in 1920 in Raggedy Andy Stories. Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls Popular with collectors, these dolls have been produced by a variety of manufacturers in the years from 1920 to the present. Raggedy Ann & Andy manufacturers include Volland (1920-34) Exposition Doll & Toy Co (1935),  Mollye’s Doll Outfitters (1935-38), Georgene Novelties (1938-62), Knickerbocker (1963-82) Applause (1981-present), and Hasbro (who bought Knickerbocker in 1983). These dolls were made by these companies in an almost unlimited variety of sizes and variations. One variation, stockings with vertical stripes, is eagerly sought.
Dolls with manufacturers marks are usually the most valuable, keeping in mind that Anne and Andy are easily copied by anyone handy with a sewing machine. My daughter was given one in the 1980’s by her great grandmother that was made by a woman who attended the same church, and there are thousands out there just like hers (which, by the way, she always found frightening, and tried to sell at our last garage sale!). Even the home made varieties, when well done, appeal to collectors. Hand-made dolls, especially by well-known makers such as Izannah Walker (1813- ?) and Ella Smith are particularly sought after, and in good condition can sell for upwards of $15,000. These charming hand made dolls appeal to doll, primitives, and folk art collectors, and as such, command high crossover dollars.
Doll Condition Although collecting purists demand examples in excellent condition, dolls that have clearly been played with and loved, especially antiques are acceptable for collections. While other toy collectors look for mint in box examples, doll aficionados understand that little girls loved their playthings, and that love, lavished on fabric, often leads to visible wear. However, the converse of this appears to be true as well-top dollar is paid for more recent vintage dolls with original clothes in original packaging, for example, a Lenci doll from between 1920-1940 might bring $300 but so might an Annalee clown circa 1970’s. Introducing Raggedy Ann
Raggedy Ann dolls were originally made by The Volland Company to help sell the adventure stories of Ann & Andy written by John Gruelle to amuse his daughter, Marcella. Published in 1918, journalist John B. Gruelle’s first story, Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson introduces Ann and her mistress Marcella. Marcella finds her grandmother’s old doll while playing in the attic, and after repairing one of Ann’s button eyes, Grandmother gives Marcella the doll. One day, Raggedy Ann leads her dolly pals on a raid of the pantry, where covered in jam and cream, they are discovered by their young owner. Ann’s Brother, Andy, was introduced in 1920 in Raggedy Andy Stories. Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls Popular with collectors, these dolls have been produced by a variety of manufacturers in the years from 1920 to the present. Raggedy Ann & Andy manufacturers include Volland (1920-34) Exposition Doll & Toy Co (1935), Mollye’s Doll Outfitters (1935-38), Georgene Novelties (1938-62), Knickerbocker (1963-82) Applause (1981-present), and Hasbro (who bought Knickerbocker in 1983). These dolls were made by these companies in an almost unlimited variety of sizes and variations. One variation, stockings with vertical stripes, is eagerly sought.
Dolls with manufacturers marks are usually the most valuable, keeping in mind that Anne and Andy are easily copied by anyone handy with a sewing machine. My daughter was given one in the 1980’s by her great grandmother that was made by a woman who attended the same church, and there are thousands out there just like hers (which, by the way, she always found frightening, and tried to sell at our last garage sale!). Even the home made varieties, when well done, appeal to collectors.
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We've moved to Florida. The condo that we live in has limited space. So, I've started to photograph and catalog all of the Barbies in her collection. As I've gotten the information, I'll be entering them into our collection. Just a hunded or so to go. Then I can start on my comics.
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Can anyone give me information on the value of my madame alexander dolls?
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Barbie was launched in 1959, when Ruth Handler suggested the idea for an adult-bodied doll for children to her husband Elliot who was a co-founder of Mattel. Barbie entered the toy scene as a teen-aged fashion model, and since then has held as many jobs as you can think of. She was originally blonde or brunette, but has now had as many hair colors as outfits. Over a billion Barbie Dolls have been sold worldwide and Mattel claims that three are sold every second.
If you are looking for a vintage toy to collect, Barbie is your girl. There are so many Barbie products, any collector can find what they are looking for. Before you know it, you’ll need a way to organize collections of dolls, shoes, and clothes online. There is no need to buy software for collecting, just use iTaggit.com. You can upload photos, information and videos to showcase your collectibles.
The value collections of vintage Barbies hold is extremely high. One original doll can sell for over $3000.00 at auction. One of the most sought after items is a Barbie in Midnight Red from 1965 who sold for $17,000 at auction. If your collecting budget is lower don’t worry, you can still find really inexpensive Barbie collectibles out there, check the web, garage sales and maybe even an antique store in your area.
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If you are looking for a great new vintage toy to add to your collection, you should consider a Blythe doll. Blythe was created in 1972 by Allison Katzman and produced by Kenner. The dolls are known for their large heads and large eyes that change color and direction with a pull string in the back. Though Blythe dolls were only sold for one year here in the United States, they started regaining popularity thirty years later in 1997. The value collectibles like these have, has been growing daily by leaps and bounds.Today the dolls have a huge cult following on the web. Collectors not only modify the dolls faces, hair and clothing, but they also enjoy photographing the dolls in all sorts of surroundings. If you are interested in getting involved with Blythe just search the web, you’ll find a lovely doll for your collection right away. If you buy one Blythe, chances are you’ll be hooked in no time. Before you know it you’ll need a way to organize collections of Blythe dolls, shoes, and clothes online. You don’t need to buy software for collecting, just use iTaggit.com. You can upload photos, information and videos to showcase your collectibles.
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I have the original Elvira mistress of the dark doll and I was wondering if it was worth anything. It is still in it's original package. The package has some damage but not severe.
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I have a black girl ceramic doll that has imprinted on the neck Susan Q Raey with the hand written #'s 3882FA. I would like to give it to my granddaughter and would like to give her some history on her. I pick her up at a yard sale. Thanks
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A friend has a doll with a tag on it that says "manufactured by Horsman Doll, Columbia, South Carolina. There are numbers on her neck, I believe it is: 259. Can anyone tell me anything about it. Any info is appreciated. Thanks
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Upcoming Auctions
Saturday, Dec. 8th at 6pm
(Proxibid Internet Auction)
One of our best auctions yet! I wouldn't miss this one!
High quality estate Furniture, Glassware, Pottery,
Collectibles, Gold Jewelry, Coins, Old Bottles,
Vintage Hallmark Christmas, Remington Bronze,
1847 Harper's Ferry Rifle, Antique Tin Toys and
Dolls, Primitives, Baseball Cards and much more!
Check out this site www.hammerdownauction.com
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Black Friday is a shopper's biggest
dream and a claustrophobic's worst nightmare. Doors open at major
retailers as early as 5:00a.m. and the lines start during the wee
hours of the morning, if not the night before. Hoards of people rush
through the frosted glass-paned doors to escape the chill and grab
some of the hottest Christmas items at the lowest prices available
before the holiday season is upon them.
Black Friday has seemed to come early
this year, though. Reports are beginning to accrue of a leak in the
WalMart Corp. that released their deals to the public before they
were originally scheduled to. The list covers most areas of desired
holiday items from a 42-inch Plasma HDTV for $988 to the Barbie
Fashion Fever dolls for $5 a piece, which is quite a markdown from
the $20+ price some are fetching currently. To check out the official
statements and article, click here.
In the spirit of the
season, iTaggit would like to see your holiday items in a holiday
wish list collection. Use iTaggit to help you organize a Barbie doll
collection for your youngsters. Discuss which one's are at the top of
the kids' wish lists this year with our other users who collect
Barbie dolls. Lastly, be sure to share what bargains you got from
which stores and show off the items that you have already checked off
that mile-long shopping list. You never know who might be looking for
new ideas and holiday inspiration from your things.
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