Beginning a doll collection or adding to an existing one can be exciting and surprising at the same time! Maybe you have found a special doll remembered from your childhood and would like to replace her. You may find the doll you have bid on or bought does not quite appear as described or pictured and maybe you are even a little disappointed. The most important thing to remember when shopping for a childhood doll or any vintage doll is to ask questions!

Many sellers may not be familiar or have knowledge of old dolls, so keep this in mind. What looks to them like a perfectly good "rare" doll may in fact be a very common doll, possibly with hair cut by a child, ink marks, dis-coloration or fading of body or face, loose joints and limbs, switched body parts, odors or many of several other conditions which will ultimately devalue the doll in want and price. You will want to know of any important imperfections not mentioned in the auction. Look for listings with good, clear and close-up pictures of the doll dressed and nude from all angles. Terms such as "rare" and "mint" can be used in loose context so if at all possible, research the doll you want before-hand and be sure what you see is what you are really getting! Flaws can go un-noticed or un-mentioned. Also be sure to inquire of any specific manufacturer markings that may be on the doll if you want to know who made the doll, and when. Some dolls have years and patent/copyright numbers marked on their body, most commonly found on the rear head or neck and the upper or middle back. A doll listed as "Susie" may, in fact, be "Mary" for example!

Vintage dolls may no longer have their original clothing and have been re-dressed. This is ok if you are not wanting a doll in mint, original condition. Some dolls have their original clothing, but it may be torn, stained or missing a snap, ect. These can be repaired to some extent if you are a good seamstress, sometimes they cannot!  Several artists today market their own one of a kind (OOAK) dolls and doll clothing today using a vintage doll as their base. These dolls may have been less-than-perfect in their original state. Using new re-rooted hair, facial paint and new self-designed doll clothing, the artist transforms the doll, giving it new life. Many of these dolls are very beautiful in design and a nice way to "save" an old doll from being tossed!

If you find you have bought a doll that needs a little TLC, there are many tips and techniques to help you in most all areas of doll care. Sometimes just bathing the doll in mild soap or detergent and re- styling the hair can do wonders! Be careful not to submerge the doll in water, however, as the water can enter the inside of the body and over time, present a mold, mildew or odor problem!

If your doll's hair has been chopped or cut, you may be able, at least, to trim the hair further yourself to have it even all around and make-do with a shorter style! Try re-styling the entire hair, cut areas and all by wetting the hair and using small foam hair curlers or drinking straw pieces cut to size and letting the set dry for a day or two, carefully un-roll and use a hair pick to fluff the new curls a bit. If all else fails, a doll wig may be the answer!  

Re-dressing a cleaned, groomed, nude doll in fresh new or appropriate vintage doll clothing, bonnets, socks, undies and shoes can also improve the appearance of a bedraggled doll immensely!

Got ink marks or stains on your dolly's vinyl? A few commercial products exist that may help remove them, a tried-and-true method is applying acne cream, covering the area with a piece of plastic wrap and placing the doll in the sunshine. Several repeat applications may be neccessary to fade out the ink, but it is possible!

I have been a doll collector for 20 years now, and a bit of a "mad scientist" when it comes to the care, repair, restoration and re-dressing of many dolls that have entered my home in drastic states of condition and I can give you the following advice: Never give up hope-these dolls can become a child of beauty once again if you are willing to try! 

Old dolls come in many sizes, shapes and types of material from early composition to hard plastic, vinyl and more. Each particular doll case commands it's own method of care, cleaning and repair. Specific information for certain types and kinds of dolls and how to "fix" them is becoming widely available, but use caution with any method you choose to try as what works for some may not work for others-such as I never use a blowdryer to dry a doll's hair-it singes it!

I hope I have provided you with a bit of useful advice and a few helpful suggestions as you search out "the doll" for you-whether it be an antique baby doll or a groovy 70's doll or a modern diva! Good luck with your "new" doll and may she provide you with many years of personal enjoyment!

Thanks for reading!