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How to Identify Vintage Indian Dolls

Doll collecting can be a very enjoyable -- and sometimes financially rewarding -- hobby. Vintage Indian dolls fall into the ethnic doll category and there have been a wide variety of dolls produced for most Native American tribes. Learning to identify vintage Indian dolls can prove challenging. You must learn how to examine and correctly describe Indian dolls to properly identify them, as well as determine the most effective ways to conduct research regarding their origin.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for maker's marks on the doll. Search on the neck, under the hair line. Look inside the arm and on the sole of the foot.
- 2
  Use websites such as dollreference.com to narrow down what doll you have, as long as you can determine the manufacturer. Enter what you found and peruse the resulting information.
- 3
  Learn the terminology. Read magazines such as Antique Doll Collector to help you become familiar with many terms used in the industry. Find some of the many forums dedicated to doll collecting. Describe your doll accurately and someone may be able to tell you what you have.
- 4
  Take the doll to an expert. Attend a traveling doll show, which cover large sections of the country. Peruse The United Federation of Doll Clubs, Inc. calendar to find events in your area. Check whether there are any doll specialty shops in your location that can assist with identifying your doll.

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