How to Determine The Value for an Antique China Doll

China dolls were first manufactured in the 1840s and continued to be made through the mid-1900s. Generally, the value of the China doll depends on the shoulder head, as newer dolls dolls were sold for just their heads, and their bodies and clothing were added on. It can be difficult to assess the value of a doll without knowing the minute markings and attributes that certain doll makers affixed on their dolls or crafting styles they used.

Step 1

Determine whether the doll is a genuine antique China doll. While antique doll collectors can be able to examine them for you, there are certain attributes you can look for. Most China dolls do not contain markings on their body. If there are markings, they will be small and inside the doll's shoulder plate. For example, dolls manufactured by Alt, Beck and Gottschalk may contain a model number on the doll's shoulder plate. Look for clear signs the doll may be a reproduction or inauthentic; these signs include yellowing on the doll's shoulder plate from repairs or restoration, cracked or chipped heads and dolls labeled "all original."

Step 2

Figure out what era your China doll is from. China dolls from the 1890s through the 1930s or 1940s will be of lesser value because they were mass-produced during this time. China dolls from the 1840s are the rarest and most expensive. The time period the doll is from as well as the doll maker significantly impact the value of the doll. Last, small details of the doll may make it more rare, such as blond hair, and thus more valuable.

Step 3

Peruse both online auction websites and antique stores to see what similar China dolls are being sold for. If your doll is incredibly rare, this may be more difficult because authentic, early China dolls are rarely posted on auction websites.

Step 4

Purchase or borrow the doll collector's "Blue Book" to estimate a value. Similar to the Kelly Blue Book for cars, there is one for doll collectors offering colored photos, information and references on how to determine the value of your doll.
Warnings:

There have been fake reproduction China dolls being sold out of Germany made using doll molds salvaged from former doll factory sites.
Few dolls older than 100 years have all their original pieces and clothing still intact

Reference
eBay: Antique China Dolls - dating and detecting repros"Blue Book Dolls and Values, 16th Edition"; Jan Foulke; 2003