Estimating the value of your Doll
- Patricia Hayes
(This piece was written for the Doll Collectors Forum, in terms of valuing antique cloth Lenci dolls, but the general quidelines can apply to most dolls)
The value of a doll is generally calculated by determining the average price you can expect to pay to replace it if you had to buy another one.You can figure out an approximate based on recent auction closing prices for a Lenci of the same series (model number), from around the same year of manufacture, in similar good condition with original clothes and tag. - so, if your doll is a series 109, then search eBay or Proxibid, completed listings for "Lenci 109" to get an idea of what you have to pay for one.
Most auction houses that specialize in dolls with also do valution for insurance purposes, you may have to pay a fee. If your doll is a very rare model it can be more difficult to calculate an accurate value unless the same type been seen at auction recently.
Values of dolls mentioned in books and guides are based on the value of a near mint all-original(AO) doll with original outfit and accessories,at the time the book was printed. Current auction prices may differ.
If your doll is in less than very good or near mint condition, or missing original clothes, accessories, then the value will be lower. e.g the value of an antique Lenci doll that is missing it's original clothes is about half that of the doll with its all-original outfit.