How to Protect and Store Your Old Heirloom Dolls (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to store old dolls? ›

Use plastic boxes, bins or bags to store dolls, accessories or clothing. The plastic can hold moisture which can lead to mildew or mold. Keep your dolls in a location that is prone to extreme temperature, humidity or moisture fluctuations. A temperature-controlled environment is best.

In order to preserve the quality of the dolls while in storage, the dolls should be placed in breathable, clean containers. Acid-free cardboard boxes, air-tight, sealed glass containers, or plastic containers are all affordable options that offer secure storage.

Another safe, more environmentally friendly material for wrapping dolls, is unbleached cotton muslin cloth. The cloth protects the dolls while in storage, and you can wash it if it gets dusty, unlike tissue paper.

Store in the main part of your home, rather than the basem*nt or attic which could have extremes in temperature and humidity. 2. Use acid-free, lignin-free, archival-quality boxes for storage if possible. These are often sold in art- supply and museum stores and contain no residues that could affect the dolls.

Keep them in a closed cabinet. Keeping dolls in airtight plastic containers puts them at risk for mold and mildew. Instead, keep them in closed cabinets, away from pets, dust and sunlight, in a temperature-controlled area of your home.

Porcelain dolls that were made 80 to 100 years ago or more can be quite valuable. For example, a doll made in 1916 by the French sculptor Albert Marque—one of 100 limited edition dolls dressed by the Parisian couturier Jeanne Margaine-LaCroix—was sold in 2014 by auction house Theriault's for $300,000.

Extremes in heat or cold can cause figures to crack. Climate control protects your dolls from these issues. You'll want to pack them safely. Don't store clothed, porcelain dolls in airtight containers.

In the market today, antique, elaborately decorated china dolls are rare, so they hold significant value.

Any toy that's made of plastic or rubber, and commonly exposed to moisture can become moldy if not regularly cleaned and sanitized.

As experts would tell you, there is no age limit for dolls. It may seem unusual in this day and age, but several 12-year-olds still play with dolls. And in a world where the internet is widespread, this may be a good thing.

How do you clean very old dolls? ›

Is There a Market for Dolls? Yes, the antique doll market is still going strong. It's an expansive community with many eager buyers, each with their unique vision of the perfect collectible doll display.

In general, try to keep your dolls displayed away from direct sunlight, strong artificial light (especially fluorescent lights and hot lights), and curious pets and children. Dolls should also not be displayed in areas with extreme temperatures; try to display your dolls in a temperature-controlled room.

Composition doll manufacturing lasted until the late 1940s in the U.S., when plastic began to be used for dolls.

Testors Dullcote

One of the most popular sealants for doll repaints.

Silicon babies are artificial dolls. They are meant to be as similar as possible to a real baby. They look so realistic it is very hard to notice they are actually made from silicone. The process of creating a reborn doll is called “reborning” and the producers of the reborn dolls are “reborners”.

That said, what are my opinions on using Mod Podge ON dolls and vinyl toys? As a base coat/sealer for faceups: It's pretty good. It self levels and you can get a nice protective matte finish that actually hides your brush stroke messiness if you use it in thin layers.

Fill a plastic bag big enough for the doll to fit in with baking soda. Place the doll inside the baking soda-filled bag and let sit undisturbed for several days. The baking soda will help eliminate the odor from the hard plastic doll.

Antique, Vintage or Modern Collectible

Experts typically divide collectible dolls into three groups. Antique dolls are 100 years old or more. Notable dolls from the 50s are considered vintage.

Which porcelain dolls are worth the most money? ›

The most expensive doll is L'Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer).

This Renaissance figure can be wound up with a golden key, which makes his eyes move around and his birds sing. The team of craftsman, led by the artist Christian Bailly, created this doll for $6.25 million.

1,220℉), alumina Fine Ceramics only begin to melt or decompose at temperatures above 2,000℃ (approx. 3,632℉).

Porcelain Tile Is Weather Resistant

The near-impenetrability of porcelain tiles creates a surface that can truly hold up to any weather conditions. They are ideal for use in areas where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter. Since they do not absorb water, they will not crack due to the cold.

These stresses primarily occur during two critical points of firing called silica inversions which occur at 1063 degrees F (573 degrees C), and 439 degrees F (226 degrees C).

There should be two large holes near the shoulders. If the doll's skin has small pores collecting dust and dirt, it's likely bisque not porcelain. Usually the more dirt there is, the older the doll.

Note the size of the doll, the material the doll is made of, the type of eyes, hair and clothing details. Next, check the doll for markings. Most doll marks are found on the back of the head, on the torso, and sometimes the feet. All letters, numbers, and symbols may be important.

There is no real limit to the type of collectibles you can sell at a pawn shop. As a general rule, if it's something that the pawnbroker feels they will be able to sell, then they may make you an offer for it.

In most cases, by the age of nine or ten, children have completely abandoned the traditional toy and doll. It is therefore highly unusual for a 12-year-old child to play with a doll. A child is just a year away from becoming a teenager at the age of 12.

If a child still wants to play with toys as they move into adolescence, it is totally normal and to be celebrated! Unless a child's play is affecting or replacing real-life friendships, there is no need to worry. In fact, we need to be more concerned about older kids who don't play.

Is it normal for a 15 year old to play with dolls? ›

It's completely normal for a 15 year old to play with dolls.

It's good in fact. It teaches them about social skills, emotions, being imaginative and creative and she seems to be enjoying it if she still does it.

Many kids develop an interest in dolls between the ages of 1 and 4, Dr. White says.

The Barbie doll is, unsurprisingly, the best-selling toy of all time with over a billion dolls sold since she made her debut in 1959.

Barbie. The first mass-produced doll in the U.S. with adult features, Barbie officially debuted March 9, 1959 at the International Toy Fair in New York and went on to become not only a sales juggernaut—but a global cultural icon.

Antique, Vintage or Modern Collectible

Experts typically divide collectible dolls into three groups. Antique dolls are 100 years old or more. Notable dolls from the 50s are considered vintage. Finally, specific brands from the 60s and 70s are viewed as modern collectibles.

To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you'll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.

Odor absorbers like baking soda, charcoal briquettes, and even cat litter can abate mold smell and prevent new smells from taking over your home. Fill containers with the odor absorber of your choice, and place them in the rooms where mold is most likely to accrue. Be sure to change these out monthly.

Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water should be sufficient to get the job done, but you can also choose to make a bleach solution. To do it, mix one cup of powdered bleach with one cup of warm water in a bucket and use that as your scrubbing solution.