8. What Is The Quality of the Painting of the Doll's Features?
Was the doll painted well by the original artist? Is the blush patchy, is there a blob where an eyelash should be, is the mouth crooked?
9. Is the Wig and Pate Approrpriate?
The wig should generally be mohair or human hair--new, synthetic polyester wigs are not appropriate and should be replaced. Also, a cardboard, cork or plaster pate is appropriate--modern substitutes such as foam balls are not.
10. What Is The Overall Impression of the Doll?
Finally, how does the doll look overall? Its odd, but a doll with all the right parts can still look "off"--the head somehow look too big, or the overall look of the doll just not appealing. In the converse, a doll might have some of the flaws we've discussed above, and yet still be a knockout, with an overall appealing look and great presentation. So, after you've inspected the doll and noted any flaws or problems, you should still follow your heart, and if the price for the doll is right and you love the doll, buy her anyway--just do it fully armed with knowledge!
7. Has The Body Been Repaired or Restored?
Some repainting or minor body restoration is generally acceptable, and a fully original never-repainted composition body is a plus. Be on the lookout for fully repainted bodies, bodies repainted in a jarring manner (really pink paint, the wrong finish) and replaced body parts. If hands are replaced, they should be appropriate and appropriately sized--I've seen many antique dolls with a replaced hand that is not the same size as the other hand. Restringing is fine, it just shouldn't be too tight or too loose. If too tight or too loose, you'll have to figure the cost of restringing in the value of the doll.
8. What Is The Quality of the Painting of the Doll's Features?
Was the doll painted well by the original artist? Is the blush patchy, is there a blob where an eyelash should be, is the mouth crooked?
9. Is the Wig and Pate Approrpriate?
The wig should generally be mohair or human hair--new, synthetic polyester wigs are not appropriate and should be replaced. Also, a cardboard, cork or plaster pate is appropriate--modern substitutes such as foam balls are not.
10. What Is The Overall Impression of the Doll?
Finally, how does the doll look overall? Its odd, but a doll with all the right parts can still look "off"--the head somehow look too big, or the overall look of the doll just not appealing. In the converse, a doll might have some of the flaws we've discussed above, and yet still be a knockout, with an overall appealing look and great presentation. So, after you've inspected the doll and noted any flaws or problems, you should still follow your heart, and if the price for the doll is right and you love the doll, buy her anyway--just do it fully armed with knowledge!
