Thursday, June 30, 2011

Professional Tips On How to Identify Antique Reproduction Furniture

Antique furniture is currently seeing a great upsurge of interest and many people are hunting for beautiful antiques to display in their home, so this means that the fakers are producing as much reproduction furniture as possible.

Before you buy, I really recommend that you do a short course to learn some antique hunting secrets and how to tell if you have an antique. Otherwise, you could waste a lot of money on something that was made this year!

To get you started, here are my professional tips on checking whether a piece is ancient or modern.


Colour and odour
One obvious sign that a piece of wooden furniture is a fake is a very even colour, with smooth rounded corners and modern screws. Look out for black patches caused by ancient watermarks on the top of a table or chest of drawers, because this can indicate that a previous owner decorated it with a plant.

One thing that is very hard to disguise is the smell of newly cut wood. Take a good sniff of the furniture because there is a great difference in the smell of an antique and a fake.


Imperfections
Remember that a true antique was made more than a hundred years ago, so look for imperfections and signs of age. For instance, a new piece will have a flat, smooth surface on top, whereas an antique could have aging like boards that are warped and coming away from the seams.

In particular, you should check the corners for nicks and other damage caused by moving house a couple of times in the past. If you see wormholes, check them closely to be sure they have not been done with an electric drill.


Hardware
Look for imperfections because an antique will have handles that are slightly different from each other. In addition, screw heads should have a single slot in a really old piece of furniture.

Square nails and wormholes are often found in genuine antiques, but sometimes the maker has used genuine, antique nails and old wood to cobble together a fake, so look very carefully.


Refinishing drips
To check if a real antique has been refinished, turn the piece upside down and look for the tell-tale drips of colour or varnish. This is important because a refinished antique is worth far less than an antique in its original state.


Appraisal
If possible, have a professional appraise the item, but only pay the flat fee for one item at a time. Obviously, if you agree to pay a percentage of the antique's appraised value, the appraiser may give you an inflated price to increase his percentage.

If you can find a short course on antiques, I highly recommend that you spend a little time finding out some of the many antique hunting secrets that will save you losing money on a fake and make your hobby so much more enjoyable!

Trevor Rosper is an antique hunting enthusiast, and enjoys helping others starting out in this amazing hobby. He highly really recommends that you do a short course to learn some antique hunting secrets and how to tell if you have an antique or a reproduction furniture item.

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Friday, June 24, 2011

What is it? A Chinese wooden barbers stool from days past

Chinese Barber 291x300 What is it? A Chinese wooden barbers stool from days past

I just came across this fascinating lecture by John Lawson Stoddard who was an American writer and lecturer who traveled the world in the mid to late 1800’s and gained popularity through his travel writings. In series 13 of his lectures upon visiting Canton, he describes the role of a Chinese barber and includes a picture in which can be seen a  similar wooden barbers stool.

Occasionally we discovered in these streets an itinerant barber. These Chinese Figaros carry their outfits with them. First in importance comes a bamboo pole, which is the immemorial badge of their profession. To this is usually attached one solitary towel, – free to every customer. From one extremity of this pole hangs a small brass basin, together with a charcoal stove for heating water; the other end is balanced by a wooden cabinet, which serves the patient as a seat during the operation, and contains razors, lancets, tweezers, files, and other surgical instruments.

chinese barber stool 300x225 What is it? A Chinese wooden barbers stool from days past

It matters not where one of these tonsorial artists practises his surgery.

A temple court, a flight of steps, a street, or a back-yard, are quite the same to him. He takes his queue where he can find it. One of his commonest duties is to braid that customary appendage to a Chinaman’s head, without which he would be despised. It is comical to estimate the thousands of miles of Chinese queues which even one barber twists in the course of his career – enough, if tied together, end to end, to form a cable between Europe and America. Yet this singular style of hair-dressing (now so universal) was introduced into China only two hundred and fifty years ago. Before that time the Chinese wore full heads of hair, and the present fashion of shaved crowns and twisted queues is of Tartar origin, and was imposed by a conquering dynasty as a badge of servitude.

The wearing of a mustache in China is an indication that he whose face it adorns is a grandfather. In fact, until he is forty-five years old, a Chinaman usually shaves his face completely; but this fact does not prove that after that time he can dispense with the services of a barber. For the tonsorial art in China is exceedingly varied; and Chinese barbers not only braid the queue; they also shave the eyebrows, clean the ears, pull teeth, and massage. Moreover, they scrape the inside of their victim’s eyelids – a custom which is believed by foreigners to be the cause of much of the ophthalmia in China.

Note that the stool pictured above is a reproduction from ebay, as I was too lazy to dig out one of our photos of a real ones. icon razz What is it? A Chinese wooden barbers stool from days past

Related posts: Old wooden doorsChinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old chinaFinding Treasures in a City’s Disappearing PastCarved wooden architectural elements salvaged from traditional Chinese homes gain a new lease on life…Beijing Field trip: Outdoor Wholesale Chinese Antique Market Tour

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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Antique Lamps – Style and Ambience

Light creates the ambience of your home, whether it is a modern award winning architectural building or a humble cottage. Getting the right lighting effect adds the final touch to your interior design plans and is worth considering at the outset of any new design, or redesign of your home.

Overhead interior lighting fixtures and fittings can be complimented and in fact, should be complimented – with a range of ‘occasional lighting', floor and table lamps.  Any home, whatever the style, needs just the right lighting effect to set off the furnishings and décor, not to mention it will turn your house into a home. Using antique lamps to create the finishing touch can work well in any home, modern or otherwise, creating a real feature and talking point.

Mixing and matching styles of furniture and decoration is a very old design trick.  In a very modern home antique piece works incredibly well, and fit naturally into period or traditional homes. By example, a visit to a Stately home will illustrate the effectiveness of mixing design eras for maximum impact.  Very few of these houses have an interior design scheme from just one period.

Victoriana mixes happily with Georgian features, Jacobean with 20th century.  Even a retro-phone next to a broadband router works surprisingly well!  While you shouldn't be afraid to go ahead and mix up your design periods, this approach should be handled with care!

Mixing styles can work particularly well in old houses, from country cottages to Georgian style manor houses.  Getting the feel right, however, is not straightforward. French Ormolu does not always fit in a suburban semi – it can, if handled well, but is not always quite the ‘look'!  Thinking about the house itself is important.

Old houses usually incorporate several historical periods of design already, and for this reason can be well suited to the eclectic mix and match approach.  More modern houses, be it a Victorian terrace or a thirties house may need a more careful approach.  If you are a ‘period' stylist, you may want to go to extremes and decorate this type of house with antiques and features from just one specific period.

In either case, getting the right finishing touches for your light fittings is important.  Victorian terraces or villas would traditionally have possessed gas lighting, and antique lamps that have been for converted for electric use are ideal for this type of home.

Having your electrician add a dimmer switch – not a difficult job itself – to the control will add a more authentic look.  Paraffin and oil lamps can also be sourced to add lighting details, again this type of antique lamp can be sourced that has been adapted to be used with electrical fittings – reducing the work and smell involved!

Antique shops and online traders can be found that specialise in various eras.  Iconic designs from the 60s and 70s such as the Lava lamp are still reproduce and widely available, as are feature vintage lamps from just about every style the 20th century has to offer

Choices, Choices, Choices.
Whatever type, or style of building you are making into your home, the details of your interior design will be important. Using antique lamps throughout the design, whether it is period or modernist can create a great visual impact, lighting your home in a subtle welcoming way.


Added to their beauty is the fact that antique lamps have an inbuilt value in them, making them an investment for the future as well as a unique and attractive design statement.

The range of available antique lamps is also extremely varied.  Popular designs include classic French designs, English and Japanese lamps, plus the vast range of Chinese porcelains.  Each of these styles is adaptable, but if you have a very modern design scheme, Japanese style is worth considering.  Despite their antiquety, the simplicity of some Japanese designs can appear to be startlingly modern.

Reassigned vases as table lamps are also popular, creating a functional and valuable lighting
addition to your interior design.  Prices can vary, so shop around until you have found the right ‘must have' finishing touch for your home.

Whatever style of design you have chosen to create your home, a feature antique lamp can set of your design in a subtle but beautiful way, creating just the right ambience for relaxing in
the welcoming light of home.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Antique Lamps and Lamp Shades

Antique lamps are a timeless design classic that can suit just about any interior design scheme. Like other design classics, their appeal lies in not just their charm but their adaptability along with being entirely functional.



Lighting a house creates the finishing touch that turns it into a home.  Antique lamps are available in a wide range of designs and styles, from the classic Georgian styles, to Chinese and Japanese porcelains, or to the vintage designs of the 20th century.

Whatever style you choose, an antique lamp can complement your interior design and make
a thoughtful and unique gift.  Buying an antique lamp is one thing, but fitting the right lamp shade is another. This, however, can be a lot more tricky!

It is relatively easy to buy a lamp shade and many suppliers operate on the internet as well as from specialist shops. Sourcing specific styles is straightforward with specialist suppliers, with a huge variety of lamp shades to choose from.  But !, have you ever had the experience of buying a lamp shade, only to come home and fit the shade, only to find it is halfway down the lamp, or perched on the top of the lamp, looking utterly silly!
It is almost impossible to simply go out and buy a lamp shade and find it to be a perfect fit. My advice is to take the lamp base with you and if nobody minds, put every shade you like on the lamp until the right one appears!



However, after many years of antique lamps and lamp shades, I can confirm, that for the
perfect fit, a lamp shade, just like a garment, has to be made to measure. If you are seriously decorating, you will know that high end interior design demands careful attention to detail and that includes lamp shades.
For a wedding, birthday, or special occasion, an antique lamp can be the perfect gift for the right person. Of course, you need to be sure that the style and design is something they will appreciate, but for the right person they make a fantastic gift that will receive pride of place in their home.

For antique lovers, a lamp will be a well-received gift and if there home already contains
a strong antique theme, choosing a lamp to suit should be easy.  Antique lamps can also be good retirement gift.



Vintage ‘bankers' lamps for a home office or study are popular when it comes to this type of gift. A banker's lamp is instantly recognisable, with green glass and brass making visually attractive feature, providing a subtle relaxing background for reading or working on that novel that there was never time to complete before retirement!

Antique and vintage lamps come in a variety of styles and so do lamp shades, a lamp without
a shade, really is like the horse without the cart. The combination of a beautiful silk shade will make the most of the subtle ambience that lamplight has to offer.



For antique lamps, finding a suitable fabric to match the lamp will complete the look. It is worth remembering, that not all fabrics are "lamp shade friendly," with silk and linen being the most suitable.

Some specialists will offer a service that includes custom making the right shade for your chosen base. With the right fabric and a skilful shade maker – your lamp design will be complete.  For simple lamp designs a straightforward plain silk shade can't be beaten, while others will benefits from bold, coloured shades that set off the designs on the lamp itself.

Whether it is as a gift or a final touch to make your house your own, an antique lamp can
provide just the right detailing to your room. For lounges, drawing rooms and dining rooms, low level lighting creates a homely touch, and for landings and hallways, lamps create a welcoming feel.



Antique lamps don't just need to be placed in antique settings – although do work particularly well in period homes.  Mixing old and new furniture and accessories can work wonderfully well, creating stunning feature pieces and an eclectic look that gives a home a tasteful style that can be adapted to create a unique look.
Antique lamps have a sense of history and individuality, inbuilt, that will make your home stand out from the crowd and for the right person will make a perfect and thoughtful gift.

A stylish, chic and unique gift for weddings, retirement or that special person in your life, antique lamps make a great statement and would be the perfect present for many people looking to create a unique and individual look to their home.

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Monday, June 6, 2011

Guide to Art Deco China

First seen at the international exhibition in Paris in 1925 Art Deco was in vogue during the 1920s and 1930s and was a great inspiration to British ceramicists. Art Deco ceramics were extremely popular. Their bright, colourful design brought a sense of fun and contemporary style to the home. The First World War had changed women's position in society and many of them were keen to support the newly emerging female designers, such as Clarice Cliff, Charlotte Rhead and Susie Cooper.



For the collector the choices are endless - you can collect by shape, by factory, by designer, by colour, by motif or by year. Clarice Cliff's design made at the A J Wilkinson factory were avidly collected with the new Bizarre range being especially popular. Apart from being a surface designer Clarice had also trained as a modeller and she was interested in developing glazes. The combination of these three makes her designs so interesting. While Clarice Cliff pottery can be very expensive there are affordable pieces to be had. Crocus was made from 1928 to 1964 and is one of the most affordable, while Honolulu was only made for about a year and is difficult to find and expensive.



Art Deco caught on very quickly and soon most manufacturers had a handful of colourful geometric designs in their collection. Shelley Pottery launched several new ranges: Vogue and Mode in 1930, Eve and Regent in 1932 and Oxford in 1934. Shelley's pieces have a fine bone china body which was unmatched by any other ceramic manufacturer.

Shelley is famous for its advertising campaign featuring the instantly recognisable Shelley Girl. This figurine could be seen in many china shop windows during the late 1920s and early 1930s and is now very collectible. One was sold at auction in the autumn of 2008 for ?4,000 and even a damaged one can still fetch ?1,600.
Susie Cooper established her own pottery in 1929 where she produced some geometric patterns. A partnership with Woods and Sons from 1931 enabled her to control shape manufacture too. Her abstract cubism-inspired designs using blocks of colour are particularly stunning. The leaping deer was one of the iconic images of Art Deco style and it was used by many potters, including Poole. Susie Cooper used it and it became part of her backstamp from 1932 until the 1950s.

Royal Doulton also embraced Art Deco and developed distinctive shapes for both tableware and earthenware ranges, such as Fairy, Casino, Dandy and Embassy, but the best known are probably Tango, Syren, Gaylee and Eden.

While Charlotte Rhead was less famous than Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper her work is still highly sought after. She worked for Burgess and Leigh, makers of Burleigh Ware from 1926 to 1931 and A G Richardson (Crown Ducal) from 1932 to 1942. At Burgess and Leigh her work included designs with Art Deco influences such as geometrics and stylised flowers while at Ducal she developed new glazes.

Among other potters of the era were Carlton Ware with its lustre and oriental-inspired wares and Art Deco table wares. Myott also adopted the Art Deco style and produced tableware, striking vases, plaques and jugs. During the 1940s Myott started to manufacture figures for Marcel Goldschneider, an Austrian who had fled to Britain at the outbreak of war. Many of Goldschneider's figures and wall masks produced in the 1920s and 1930s were in the Art Deco style.

Most potteries during the 1920s and 1930s produced Art Deco designs and some are better than others and there is a wealth of Art Deco to collect. The Auction houses tell us that interest in Art Deco remains strong and prices for the rarest and most luxurious pieces remain high, although prices at the lower end of the market are not what they were - a perfect opportunity for the new collector. There are bargains to be had!

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Saturday, June 4, 2011

Cranfield University and Bonhams Auctioneers Announce Authenticity Project

Cranfield and Bonhams have inaugurated a joint forensic science research project to bring authentication techniques into the new millennium.

The new Cranfield/Bonhams collaboration combines major advances in the ability to identify ever-smaller proportions of trace elements, with essentially non-invasive sampling, associated with identifying a coherent range of authentic objects to provide the core data.

This will be particularly useful in the field of Chinese art which has become one of the hottest sectors of the global art market in recent years, and nowhere more so than in the demand for fine antique porcelain. While prices for the finest Imperial porcelain have soared, so have the ambitions of highly accomplished fakers, seeking to infiltrate spectacular new fakes into a market feverish for top quality material. Technology exists to distinguish scientifically the genuine treasures from the fakes, but the technology normally used is over forty years old, invasive, and no longer entirely trustworthy.

Forensic science often manages to identify small differences in very rare elements in an object. These ‘trace elements’ can often identify an object’s place, and sometimes date, of origin if a good database already exists for similar objects. ‘Trace element analysis’ is regularly used in many kinds of detective work, from establishing the original source of premium organic foods, to researching ‘scene of crime’ evidence.

It has never been practical in the past to use it systematically in the art market, because obtaining samples has often been unacceptably destructive, and databases are neither detailed nor specific enough. The Cranfield/Bonhams project aims to change that.

“This is the most exciting art-authentication project I have ever seen”, commented Colin Sheaf, Chairman of Bonham’s Asia, and the global auctioneer’s senior Chinese art specialist. “For decades we have sought a forensic technology which will easily and reliably address the authenticity problems generated by 30 years of relentless faking of expensive Chinese ceramics.

Cranfield’s team will now provide the specialist technology and experienced forensic scientists to carry out the analysis, and Bonham’s will define the practical issues and provide access to the core data material. We will work together to establish the methodology that will give us all confidence to make robust deductions from tiny quantities of core sample.

This project combines cutting-edge Western technology with China’s finest Imperial art in a unique and unprecedented collaboration. It will be of immense benefit to both participants, and to the wider academic and commercial art market. It will add greatly to the current expertise that we already bring to bear on analysis of an object to establish its provenance.”

Dr Andrew Shortland, Reader in Forensic Archaeomaterials and Director of the Centre for Archaeological and Forensic Analysis at Cranfield University said, “Cranfield has made significant investments in new laboratories and staff to extend our forensic analytical abilities. The analysis of a wide range of art and historical objects is one of the most exciting growth areas for us. It is a pleasure to work with the experts from Bonhams on this project, and I look forward to developing robust scientific techniques to help them in their identification of copies and fakes.”

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A Short History of Antique Bathtubs

When thinking about antique bathtubs we need to remember that the bathroom, as we know it, is still relatively new. Before 1870, Victorians would slide into a hipbath in front of the fire. These shallow baths were curved up the back making a comfortable rest and were made of iron or zinc, usually painted dark brown on the outside and cream or marbled on the inside. There were also the bathtubs in which you sat down - they were square or oval with a small seat and portable shower - a tent-like affair, with a water tank at the top from which the water would gush down. These baths are now very hard to find.



In the latter part of the 19th century the hot water system was invented, pumping water round the house through pipes. Drainage and sewage systems were improved and knowledge about hygiene improved. This led to the first fixed bathrooms in late Victorian homes, that soon became status symbols. At first bathrooms were converted from bedrooms keeping the cosy style complete with fireplaces and stained glass windows. Cast-iron baths, coated inside with white porcelain enamel were surrounded by wood panels to hide any ugly pipes.

As health concerns rose in the 1880s, bathrooms became more hygienic, with tiled floors and where brass and copper pipes were left exposed and were polished in order to combat germs. Baths became freestanding, with rolled tops and ball or claw feet so that servants could get their mops underneath to clean the floor.

Not everyone likes antique baths especially as you would have to pay around ?800 for the cheapest. There are a number of styles to choose from and you can add original or reproduction taps or even use modern ones. Most UK salvage and reclamation yards stock bathtubs from the 1900s onwards.
French double-ended baths from the 1900s - 1950s are extremely popular and an original would set you back about ?1,700. Many didn't have tap holes but would have standpipes next to the bath from which the water would pour. Original standpipes are very hard to get hold of so there is a choice of having reproduction standpipes or a wall-mounted tap. You can also have holes put in for the taps.



English roll-top bathtubs are elegant and free-standing and bring definite style to the bathroom. They usually date from 1890-1930 and are big and comfortable and have a nice slope to lean back on. You could have them painted in a colour of your choice and to suit the rest of your decor. A major selling point for many people is the length of an antique bath - rolltops come in any size from 4ft to 7ft long which is perfect if you are very small or very tall.

Canopy baths date from around 1890 and were owned by very wealthy Victorians who lived in stately mansions. They either have zinc or glass tops and are usually snapped up by collectors who pay between ?6,000 and ?10,000. You can find a reproduction slipper bath with an elegant curving back from around ?600.
If you buy an antique bath that hasn't been restored you have two choices. You can do it on the cheap and get it re-surfaced with a spray-on finish, which would cost around ?400 and comes with a 5 year guarantee. If you want it to last a bit longer you can get it re-enamelled with a new vitreous glass finish, which would cost around ?1,000.

If you are serious about buying an antique bathtub you should do your homework and be aware of a few facts:
Chrome fittings date from 1926 onwards, not before.
Original baths are deeper than new ones, make sure it's what you want.



Beware of the length of the bath.If you live an apartment, make sure your floor is strong enough for your cast-iron bath.

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Friday, June 3, 2011

Beach House Furniture Collecting

The sparkling blue of the ocean laps against the white sands of a calm, quiet beach. The hot and intense summer sun hangs in the blue sky above. People flock under the shady spots on the beach, either from the palm trees and their leaves or an arrangement of umbrellas in the sand. The clink of glasses and bottles is heard as people hydrate themselves. More chairs and tables are needed as more people gather. Bringing furniture to a beach gathering is extremely smart, and with portable furniture this becomes quite an easy task. On the beach, sand is a major player, and the furniture needs to be resistant to the detrimental effects of it as well.

Beach furniture is a very common find in the cars of those who enjoy outdoor activities. The variety of beach furniture is nearly limitless. Beach furniture reacts well to the same environment they are specialized for - the sea and the shore. One of the most important aspects of beach furniture is that it needs to be built to resist both sea salt corrosion and sand wear. Beach furniture is possibly the most portable type of furniture on the market today. These pieces are often built to be able to fold easily and into compact shapes. The joints of beach furniture are very small, with large sleeves to accommodate bending. This enables the furniture to be folded into a very small shape. This size allows for easy packing in cars and overall portability. Packing trunks for camping or other outdoor excursions is made easier with beach furniture.

Brass is one of the few metals that resist sea salt and its corrosion, which is why beach furniture can use this metal well. Brass can also simply be the coating for these pieces as well. Cloth that is light but sturdy is used to cross over the bars of these pieces, which enables the folding of beach furniture. The ease of replacing the cloth of these chairs makes them last for a very long time. Replacing the pieces of cloth can result in these items seeming like completely new installments. Other types of this furniture are crafted from metal, plastic, or wood.

The advantages of wood over metal is that wood does not rust, period. Wood, however, is very heavy when compared to lightweight metal furniture. Woods most suited for beach environments are light woods like ash. Driftwood is also used in an ironic and eccentric way to make these pieces. The fragility of driftwood is offset by its unmatched silky texture. Driftwood is hence most preferred in pieces that are used within a house.
Because driftwood ages well, many rustic pieces of beach furniture are made from it. The popularity of nautical decor is due to the fact it is so transportable and long-lasting.These furniture pieces are great to have on hand when at the beach.Most of the time, these installments are painted many different eclectic colors in order to attract attention.

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Cash in All Your Antiques With Treasure Hunters Roadshow

Treasure Hunters Roadshow is an uncommon way of producing cash from all your previous collectibles and antiques. Our group travels across diverse cities in a variety of nations purchasing uncommon, precious antiques and collectibles. They are really decided and really serious about their craft and offer you a lot of dollars for desirable items.

Treasure Hunters Roadshow is usually a 5 day function held across unique cities in the United States, Europe and Canada. When the roadshow is announced in a particular city, we deliver an open invitation to all the regional citizens to join us at our function and provide in all the valuable collectibles they own. Our specialists team at the function evaluates all the collectibles. In buy to take part in the roadshow, you have to know a handful of items which can enable you get prime bucks for your collectibles. The occasion does not fees anything. You can acquire important information on your collectibles and antiques from our professionals at no cost, so do not hesitate to get all your antiques and collectibles. It is quite essential that you do not clean your collectibles as it may harm the finishes or the merchandise itself. Because our roadshow is so preferred, be prepared to wait in line for up to 45 minutes. While waiting, you can absolutely take pleasure in the uncommon goods that are been brought in to the event by other community citizens.

Gold prices are higher than ever and so damaged gold jewelry and scrap gold are well-liked goods at our roadshow. At the venue you can possibly see a handful of items which you will never see yet again in a lifetime, so occur and get pleasure from the occasion. There is no restrict on the amount of goods that can be brought in to the event. Feel free of charge to get as many things as you want. If you make a decision to provide back again more goods, you will be provided with an Express Card. Express Card is quite helpful and can preserve a whole lot of time, as it brings you suitable to the front of the line when you arrive back again with more collectibles.

All valuables like gold, silver and platinum are particularly sought immediately after by collectors. The experts at Treasure Hunters Roadshow analyze your items meticulously to determine it's true really worth. Eager to make unique additions to their assortment, they are always on the seem for a thing strange. So bring in all that you have. You in no way know, you may well have anything unusual and special that our authorities are seeking for!

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Collecting Celebrity Character Dolls



People have been fascinated by dolls and doll collection has been around for many centuries now. Even ancient people especially in royalty have been found to have collected their own sets of these intricate creations. Japanese and Chinese emperors were known for their fascination of dolls as symbols and representations of their traditions. Mostly, their dolls depict warriors and children with life-like quality and poses. Today, a lot of individuals have been collecting dolls of their favorite celebrities and movie characters.

This is one of the most common types of doll collection that enthusiasts prefer. The familiarity of celebrities and the instant entertainment factor it brings are easy choices for those who are just about to start their collection. Movie and music celebrity fanatics are most likely to start a collection of their favorite actor.



Celebrity dolls that have been popular for decades are Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson. While celebrity dolls that depict the likeness of the actor in real life are popular, their character doll version is also as popular to these fans and collectors. Celebrity character dolls are those that represent the actor's character in a specific movie. Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his character as "The Terminator" and Liam Neeson for his role as Qui-Gon Jinn.



These character dolls are also more entertaining to collect as it reminds you of the whole movie and some would even build a miniature set of their favorite scene in the movie. And for music fans, the rock band Kiss also has their own doll set which had been a popular due to the band's unique rock suits and outrageous make-up. There are even Matryoshka doll sets with the image of the members of the band stacked just like the traditional Russian doll set. It is just interesting how these celebrity dolls can bring entertainment and even historical value to a doll collection. Even political figures have their own versions of dolls as they are also celebrities in their own right. Several known doll makers have been manufacturing these celebrity dolls and these companies include Tonner Doll Company, Mattel, Hasbro, Madame Alexander, and API.



Sports figures are also considered celebrities as their status puts them head to head with movie actors when it comes to raking in fans. One popular sports figure who had several dolls made after his likeness is Dennis Rodman, along with basketball fan's favorite Michael Jordan. Although the vinyl material is most commonly used in the production of these celebrity dolls, nonetheless there are vintage celebrity dolls that are made of ceramic and porcelain. Thus for celebrity fanatics, collecting their favorite celebrity's vinyl dolls is most common aside from collecting other memorabilia such as t-shirts and posters.

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Collecting Exquisitely Hand-Crafted High Value Dolls

A lot of the most expensive dolls in the market are those that are hand-crafted by Madame Alexander. Made of the highest quality and materials, their dolls are created with elaborate designs and exquisite accessories. Founded by Beatrice Alexander along with her three sisters in 1923, she hand-sewed and painted their first few dolls which were made of fabric and flat doll faces. Over time their dolls' faces have become molded and rounded which made it more appealing. She also based her creations on children's literature like the books of Charles Dickens, and Louis May Alcott.



By 1935-1939, Madame Alexander made an 8-inch doll collection which was composed of wood pulp and glue. This doll collection was the Tiny Betty series which depicted famous fairytale characters of Goldilocks, Hansen and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood. These dolls were marked with Mme. Alexander and the batch that came after that was already marked differently. The dolls also now stand 9 inches or 11 inches high and they are designed with side-glancing eyes. There was also a collectible set around the same era which was designed after the Dionne Quintuplets who were born in Canada and now it can fetch around $1,500 in value.

In 1948, the company introduced the Maggie face doll which was made of plastic that has sleep-eyes. These dolls are marked "ALEXANDER". The designs were patterned after the characters in Alice in Wonderland, Me and My Shadow, and Annabelle. Then the Wendy doll was introduced on 1953 which was named after Madame Alexander's granddaughter. This one is still made of hard plastic with straight non-walker legs. However, the subsequent versions of the Wendy dolls are made with walker legs which were designed after the characters in Gone with the Wind, The Bible, and Little Women.

By 1961, the international series was launched in which dolls were made to represent several different counties. It stands 8 inches and has a bent-knee walker designed body. This designed was used in the dolls until 1964. Around 1965 to 1972, the series did not have bent-knees and cannot make a walking gesture. There were several developments in the materials and designs of Madame Alexander's dolls over the years. Today, even recently released dolls are expensive and are highly valued. The earlier series of MA dolls especially those that were hand-crafted prior to the death of Beatrice Alexander are regarded today as the best collectibles. Nevertheless, the newer doll series available are still interesting but the value of vintage Madame Alexander dolls is astounding.

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