Vintage Dolls - Must-Have Reference Books For Collectors

Raise anyone who collects vintage dolls, and that they will no doubt be ready to show you entire bookshelves stuffed with reference books. Books are necessary to doll collectors for two reasons. 1st, the books sometimes contain important information concerning the doll companies; and second, the best doll books are resplendent with dozens of color images to help you identify your dolls.

Not all doll reference books are created equally, however. Photo and printing quality varies between books -- particularly vintage doll books, that (despite their age) can be glorious resources. Typically, the books that you'll find most useful can be people who give masses of pictures and data concerning identifying characteristics.

Below are some doll book titles that each vintage doll collector ought to own.

Little Dolls of the 40s and 50s, by Carol Stover

This wonderfully detailed book could be a must-have for anyone who collects tiny dolls. The book has chapters on every of the popular toddler dolls and small fashion dolls: Vogue Ginny, Cosmopolitan Ginger, Nancy Ann Muffie, Madame Alexander Alexander-Kins, and more. The book additionally includes data for identifying unmarked dolls and clothing.

Collector's Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls, by Judith Izen and Carol Stover

Ginny dolls are wildly standard with collectors. This complete book is dedicated to describing and photographing the various outfits and changes within the dolls over the years, from the Nineteen Forties all of the approach to the trendy-day Ginny doll.

The World of Alexander-Kins, by Patricia Smith

Madame Alexander's eight-in. toddler doll, known as Wendy or Alexander-Kins, simply rivaled Ginny in its variety of outfits. Patricia Smith's book offers tons of footage of the different dolls available over the years, in addition to a discussion of the changes that transpire in the construction of the dolls.

Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls, by Patricia Smith

Though this early doll reference book contains mostly black-and-white pictures, it still offers one in every of the most comprehensive pictorial references of Madame Alexander dolls. The book is organized by year, documenting the way the dolls and outfits modified year-to-year. Although the book is currently out of print, it can be found by searching sites that sell used books, like eBay, 0.5 -dot- com, and Amazon -dot- com.

Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls: Second Series, by Patricia Smith

Just like the previously mentioned book, Patricia Smith's Second Series contains mostly black-and-white photographs. But, the additional footage and information make this book a valuable companion to the primary book. This reference book is organized alphabetically, making it easier to seek out pictures of the doll you are looking for. Like its predecessor, but, this specific book is out of print, making it onerous to find.

Madame Alexander 2007 Collector's Dolls Worth Guide, by Linda Crowsey

Crowsey's doll values guide is a should-have for any serious Madame Alexander collector. The book is released each year with updated values. The book is also illustrated with images of Madame Alexander dolls; although there are fewer footage than the other reference books listed here, they're exchanged for brand new photographs in every edition, creating it worthwhile to shop for a brand new copy each year.

Yank Character Dolls, By Judith Izen

Reference books are plentiful for more well-known dolls, but it can be tough to find information on lesser-known companies. That is why this book on American Character is so special. The book offers a chapter on each of the corporate's totally different dolls, complete with several detailed color photos.

Revlon Dolls and Their Look-Alikes, by Kathy Barna

Believe it or not, Barbie was nothing very original. There were a number of fashion dolls available for as long as 10 years before Barbie's debut, and these "pre-Barbie fashion dolls" are especially sought-after by collectors. Barna's reference book provides a number of the most effective images I've seen of pre-Barbie fashion dolls. The book focuses totally on Miss Revlon and Little Miss Revlon, however also includes many chapters on competitors' dolls of the era.

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