Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Create a page in a notebook labeled for this particular doll. Write a brief description of the doll's costumes, including any pieces you think are missing.
Inspect the doll's clothes and accessories for markings. It is important to note that the doll may not be wearing the original clothing, and as such, there is no guarantee that markings found on clothing and accessories are the same for the doll. Look around the edges of clothing and at the back of the doll's head or other body parts or torso for markings indicating a year or mold number.
Use your magnifying glass to clearly read any markings you find. Note the location of the marking and the information shown in your notebook. Write a brief description of any aesthetic damage to the doll or its clothing and accessories that you have noticed. Also note the style of the clothing, since this could be an indicator of the time period when the doll was made.
Inspect the doll and determine the materials used to make the doll. Note any wooden parts of the doll and fabrics that are used for clothing or on the body of the doll. Make a list of these elements.
Analyze the wear and tear of the porcelain features of the doll. Over time, porcelain forms stress cracks and hashes. Many cracks and hashes in the porcelain indicate a doll that is very old.
Visit your local library and borrow books on porcelain-doll creation and identification. Research the time period the doll was created in. Based on the markings and information you have gathered, narrow down the selection of dolls based on other time-period features such as design of moveable features, extravagant accessories or more realistic designs as indicators.
Take pictures of your doll, including a full portrait and closer images of clothing material, the doll's facial features, porcelain cracks, and any markings you have found that may indicate manufacturer, year, or mold number.
Search print antique indexes and online resources and auctions for listings of similar dolls created by the same manufacturer or in the same time period.
Compare the condition and details included about those dolls to your Jessica doll to get a general idea of the current value of your doll.
Research antiques appraisers in your area or elsewhere that specialize in porcelain doll appraisal. Send copies of photographs you have taken to the appraiser to review.