Antique Dolls: Attempts at Restoration or Repair

Should I restore or repair my antique doll? The repair or restoration of antique dolls has been an ongoing debate since the beginning of doll collecting.

Most doll collectors have been told at one time or another "Any type of doll repair or restoration will lower the value of your antique doll." This is statement simply not true.

The majority of antique dolls that are prized possessions in the most elite collections were at one time children's playthings. It is not surprising that after surviving a childhood that most are in need of some sort of repair or restoration.

When adding an antique doll to your collection, ask yourself, is a repair or restoration necessary? Necessary is the key word. Your first and foremost concern should be preserving the doll.

For example: You have a composition doll that has cracked and the paint is peeling. The cracks will absorb moisture over time and continue to deteriorate the dolls condition. Without restoration, the doll will continue to disintegrate and in time nothing will be left of your beloved antique doll.

On the other hand, making a repair that is purely cosmetic will most likely decrease the dolls value.

If a part original to the doll is missing or has extreme damage, replacing the part with an identical matching, original antique part is always the best option. Replace only what is necessary. Replacing parts on your antique doll should only be considered when the original part cannot be adequately repaired.

Missing wigs and eyes are a common problem. Wigs can be repaired. I have seen very sparse wigs restyled to look like the original. Wig makers will often weave in matching fibers to fill in the wig cap. Missing eyes, like any other part of the doll should be replaced with identical, antique eyes.

If you your doll has parts that are so badly damaged that they cannot be repaired and you have failed at locating identical, original antique parts to restore it with, then, as a last resort you can replace the parts with reproduction or modern parts. This will bring the over all value of the doll down, but it will not be worth any less than if no repairs were made at all.

For instance, your antique doll is missing the eyes. You cannot find the proper antique eyes so you settle for newer eyes. Is the doll worth less with new eyes than it would be without any eyes at all? The answer is no. It is not worth as much as an antique doll with the original eyes in place, but it is not worth any less than an antique doll with no eyes at all.

Doll hospitals and doll doctors can do amazing things when it comes to antique doll repair and restorations. Please find a qualified doll doctor to consult before making the decision to replace a damaged part or have a repair made. Often when the dolls condition looks hopeless to the collector, it will present itself as a challenge to the doll doctor.

Poorly made attempts at antique doll repair and restoration often make the doll lose value. Be selective in your repairs. Remember, necessary is the key word.