Home >> Collecting >> Collecting Vintage Toys

How to Identify Reliable Baby Dolls

In 1920, a man named S.F. Samuels started the Reliable Toy Company in Toronto, Canada. According to the Canadian Toy Association web site, he was soon joined by his two brothers and they began to distribute dolls to many different companies around the world. The company became an innovator in the toy market and was the first manufacturer to incorporate an assembly line to produce dolls. Many collectors desire Reliable dolls because they are well-made and have a great variety of features and sizes.

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet
Doll reference book

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the doll to determine its composition. The earliest Reliable dolls were made from imported bisque heads and cloth bodies. According to the Doll Reference web site, after 1922 the Reliable company made its own bodies. Later dolls where made of cloth, hard plastic and vinyl.
- 2
  Check the back of the doll's head where it meets the body. Most dolls made by Reliable will read "Reliable/Made in Canada." Some of the dolls also come with a number that will reference model numbers or limited editions.
- 3
  Some dolls come with a cloth tag sewn into their bodies or a hang tag attached to their wrists. Many of the Reliable dolls have these hang tags, which generally describe the quality of the doll and its proper care.
- 4
  Check a reference book, such as the "Blue Book of Doll's Values, 16th Ed." This type of book will have pictures and details to help you identify specific dolls by sight and markings.
- 5
  Join a collector's forum and list the details of your doll's markings, face, body and style. There are many doll collectors who will be able to help you identify the year your doll was manufactured. If needed, scan or upload photos of your doll to receive more accurate advice. Be sure your photos show the doll well and that any identifying marks are clear and easy to read.

Collecting Vintage Toys