Dolls, Dollhouses & Figurines

People of all ages are drawn to dolls because of their charming outfits, facial expressions, and miniature accessories. Children benefit from dolls by being able to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others around them. Antique doll auctions online on Bidsquare have appealed to a broad range of dealers and collectors, preferring sales that are rare, fine, and in mint condition. These online auctions feature a good mix of antique and vintage dolls, French and German bisque, play dolls, French fashion dolls, collector dolls, China head dolls, utility dolls, and baby dolls and are in high demand. 

Early Dolls

Original wooden dolls from the 18th century are extremely sought after and command a high price at auctions while early 19th century German Grodnertal wooden dolls appeal to a wide range of doll collectors as are with china and porcelain headed dolls from the same period. 

Bisque Dolls 

Among all collectible dolls popular with collectors today, perhaps Bisque-headed dolls top the list while the fine French Fashion dolls from Jumeau, Steiner, Bru, and Gaultier are considered masterpieces, some of which can be considered true antiques and easily top thousands of dollars.

Cloth Dolls 

Cloth and felt dolls (the 1920s/1930s) with bright, colorful clothes portraying famous film and stage stars of the period such as Marlene Dietrich and Rudolph Valentino from the Italian manufacturer Lenci became very popular among both adults and children. English toy makers like Deans Rag Book, Chad Valley, and Norah Wellings were also prominent cloth doll makers during this period. 

Post-War Vintage Dolls 

Barbie continues to be the most popular fashion doll even today. Introduced in 1958 by Mattel, Barbie remains the best-selling doll for more than 50 years and it is available in more than 150 countries worldwide. Vintage Barbies (1959-1972) and modern Barbies (1972-Present) are in high demand among doll collectors, remaining icons of the doll world. Other dolls with a huge following are Sindy (the 1960s) and Sasha that are realistic representations of children of the 1960s/70s.

Collectible Vintage Dolls

Dolls classified as vintage fall between modern and antique dolls. For collectors, the period between 1925 and 1979 is taken as vintage when dolls became household names. Most of the dolls from this time remain collectible today, including Boudoir Dolls (the 1920s/30s), Shirley Temple dolls (lasting most of the 20th century), Betsy McCall dolls (1950s), Chatty Cathy (1960s), and Effanbee dolls (1920s and later).

Quick Facts about Dolls

• The first toy advertisement to appear on the television was Mr. Potato Head.
• Some dolls are toys, but some are collector's items that can fetch very high prices.