For over a hundred years, Madame Alexander dolls have been a beloved feature of American children’s playtime. The company was established by Beatrice Alexander Behrman in 1923 and has been a trailblazer in the doll industry ever since.
The company started by making more durable dolls than the earlier porcelain types. It also created the first fashion doll before Barbie existed, showcasing its innovative spirit.
Today, the Madame Alexander Doll Company still creates new dolls, but collectors want the old ones. These vintage dolls have even been displayed in famous museums like The Smithsonian and the V&A. They can fetch up to $44,000 at auctions. Keep reading to discover what makes a Madame Alexander doll valuable.
What is the Madame Alexander Dolls Price Range?
The price of Madame Alexander dolls varies, but it usually starts at less than $20 and goes up to many thousand dollars. The brand-new collectable dolls sold by the Alexander Doll Company are usually priced from about $145 to as much as $850.
Dolls made by Madame Alexander that come from certain periods or are part of special edition series are highly desired and, as a result, carry higher price tags. Dolls from the 1940s and 1950s are prized by collectors, and those from the 1950s often fetch the highest amounts when sold.
Some special editions are collections inspired by “Gone with the Wind” and “Little Women.”
What factors decide the price of Madame Alexander dolls?
Several factors influence the worth of a Madame Alexander doll. Here are the main considerations when determining a doll’s value:
- Time Period: The date when the doll was made is crucial for its price. Dolls from the 1940s and 1950s often have the highest values.
- Uniqueness: The more unique a doll is, the more it might be worth it. Scarce models tend to be more valuable.
- State: Dolls that are in perfect shape are usually sold for more. Collectors prefer dolls that look brand new.
- Materials Used: Dolls made from uncommon materials can be pricier. For instance, older “Composition” dolls made from a mixture that includes sawdust are more valuable than those made later with plastic.
- Clothing and Extras: Since many Madame Alexander dolls share the same facial design, their original outfits, boxes, and tags are important for proving they are genuine.
- Market Trends: The price of these dolls can also change based on how much people want them and how many are available.
How to Assess the Value of Madame Alexander Dolls
To ascertain the monetary worth of vintage Madame Alexander dolls, consider the following criteria:
- Retail Resale Value: The selling price of these collectable dolls at antique shops, auctions, or via other resellers can impact their valuation. The prevailing market price for a specific doll model can guide its assessment.
- Market Value: The top bid received for a doll at an auction can indicate a Madame Alexander doll’s value.
- Collector Insights: Online communities for doll collectors can provide estimates of a doll’s value. However, prices may vary widely among collectors, making other valuation methods potentially more dependable.
- Insurance Estimation: This value represents the cost of replacing a Madame Alexander doll in the event of theft or damage.
Conclusion
In this article, we have read all about Madame Alexander dolls, whose history and craftsmanship continue to be collectors worldwide. These iconic vintage dolls, born from the mind of Beatrice Alexander, set the standard for creativity and attention to detail.
From beloved characters like Alice in Wonderland to the chic Cissy fashion doll, each creation reflects a moment in time and the dreams of generations of young girls.
I hope this information is useful to you. For more such articles, stay tuned with us.
