Antique doll collecting is a very popular hobby. Dolls come in all shapes and sizes reflecting the era of their creation. It's difficult to maintain the condition of a doll, especially for those that may have originally received a little too much love and affection from a youngster. Some owners choose to restore an antique doll to its original appearance. Others elect to preserve only the remaining original parts as best they can. An antique doll in relatively good condition can fetch a fair price on the open market.

Anyone who has inherited antique dolls from a family member can be overwhelmed with the process of identifying the most valuable collectibles. The market value of a doll depends on several variables. Antique dolls wearing original clothes and shoes are the most valuable. A doll with untangled hair and features that are free from marks or scratches is also desirable. The best way to determine the value of an antique doll is to consult a professional appraiser.

All is not lost for a doll that has deteriorated over time. There are many reputable doll hospitals that can repair antique dolls. Based upon the extent of the damage and the owner's repair budget, a doll hospital can offer a variety of repair options. Someone who is more concerned with the appearance of a doll than the actual market value can restore the doll to its original condition by replacing broken parts with like items. These may be spare parts from identical dolls or newly made replicas.

When purchasing an antique doll on the open market, it is important to closely evaluate the condition of the doll. It's worthwhile to ask the seller about the doll's original owner and any repair that has been done over the years. It's best to acquire a doll in original mint condition, but there's no reason to dismiss a doll that has been expertly repaired.