CARING FOR COLLECTIBLE DOLLS

by Mary M. Alward

If you want your doll collection to stay beautiful, there are a few things you need to do. Within this article are tips that will ensure your collection remains in original condition.

First of all, when you purchase a doll, be certain to save all packaging, inserts and tags. This enhances the value if you ever decide to sell. Remove the tape from her hair bows. The tape’s glue discolors fabric. Also remove any metal that can rust. cont'd

 ______________________________________________________________________

Antique Doll Houses
by Wayne Mattox

With the approaching holy holiday season, so too comes shopping. Yes, old Saint Nicholas will soon be making an appearance at your favorite local shopping center. Toward learning more about valuable antique dollhouses, let's take a peek through the ceiling-mounted security camera aimed at the Santa's Workshop in Suburb Heaven Mall. Two seven-year old girls have just taken a seat on Santa's lap. Shelley and Dana are ready to express their meek aspirations for Christmas. Just dues owed them for being such good, or at least blameless, girls all year long.

Santa: "Ho, ho, ho! And whom do we have here? What's your name my little angels?"

Dana: "What kind of Santa are you? Thought you were supposed to know everything 'bout everybody?"

Shelley (whispering in Dana's ear) "Play along with him. Unless you're going into coal business."

Santa: What do my little Princesses want for Christmas this year?

Dana: "M.T."

Santa: "Excuse me?"

Shelley: "M. T. my friend said: Material Goods. Been a rough year, Santa. Our Oppenheimer funds down a third, and as far as bonds are concerned … well, you know, 2%! We might as well go back to the days of ceramic piggy banks."

Dana and Shelley produce palm-held Dells, fast and effortlessly as any gunslinger ever drew a Peacekeeper Colt. The two minicomputers conveyor-like screens flash What I Want for Christmas lists so speedily that Santa's twinkling eyes can barely keep pace: CD-ROMs, Victoria's Secret gift certificates, DVD players, high density flat screen TV's and dollhouses … finally something Santa can relate to.

Santa: Did you know that dollhouses were made as early as the 17th century, as a way of training young girls like yourself to run a household? Adults became so enamored their children's' toys they recreated interiors with wallpaper, chandeliers and beautifully detailed tiny furniture and fixtures; miniatures scaled just like big chairs and iceboxes and dressing mirrors."

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>