Many people struggle to part with childhood toys but antique and vintage dolls and teddy bears can sell for hundreds of pounds – especially if they have a story to tell.
Take Blitzy the bear. He kept a little girl company in the Manchester Blitz during World War Two and, aided by his poignant tale, sold for £1,000 at Hansons Auctioneers.
Dolls are popular, too. For example, a late 19th century bisque doll, possibly German and in its original dress, made £1,150 at Hansons and four early 20th century dolls were contested to £2,600. Dolls’ houses are also in demand. An early to mid-19th century pine cupboard converted to a dolls house achieved £5,000.
Janet Rawnsley, a consultant valuer with Hansons and lifelong collector, holds free doll and teddy bear valuation and auction days in Cheshire. She will be at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, on July 22 and August 5, from 11am-1pm.
She said: “In assessing your dolls and teddy bears, condition and rarity are the two key factors. As regards what’s popular with collectors, late 19th and early 20th century French and German bisque and wax dolls are desired the world over but there has been an explosion of interest in post-war fashion and collectible high-quality dolls such as Sindy, Mattel’s Barbie, Palitoy Pippa dolls and Frido British Sasha dolls.
“Though these sell for considerable prices, it is the emergence of the modern American collectible fashion dolls and clothing from companies like Integrity, Poppy Parker and the Silkstone Barbie doll categories which are highly desired.
“Collectors also seek associated ephemera such as dolls’ clothing, prams and furniture. Teddy bears from early 20th century, such as Steiff, the renowned German make, to current collectibles from Charlie Bears are also sought after.”
Janet is happy to advise anyone thinking of selling their doll or teddy bear at auction. Items can be consigned into Hansons’ specialist Doll and Teddy Bear sales.
Janet will be offering free valuations at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, WA16 6DH, on July 22 and August 5, 11am-1pm. General antique valuations also available. No appointment necessary. To find out more, email [email protected].
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