When you start collecting dolls, you will realize that you enter into a whole new world of its own. A world with it's own language, history, places and people, even with the antique doll collecting police.

You will see that there is a wide variety of collectible dolls, at least 12 such Doll genres, such as wooden dolls, 50ties dolls or miniature dolls.

Then there are Dolls from specific doll companies, such as Madame Alexander Dolls or Barbie Dolls. If you never collected dolls, you might want to pick one type of doll and stick with it for a while to see if you do enjoy collecting them. It can get quite pricey. You'll have plenty of time and opportunity to branch out later.

As in any world you enter, you will need to know the language used. Dolls were and are made from a number of materials, like hard plastic, china, bisque, to name a few.

It's good to be familiar with meanings of features like sleepy eyes, open head, ball jointed or flanged neck. There are abbreviations which are good to know, like Ges (geschuetzt), German for patented, and HTF, which means hard to find.

You probably know what you can find at toy stores. Where do you find antique dolls? Try antique/specialty doll dealers, auctions, doll shows and of course garage sales, flea markets, antique stores. You may also want to check out the “Antique Doll Collector Magazine”.

Condition is extremely important in determining what your doll is worth. Prices listed in doll guides are for dolls in excellent condition. You can deduct 50% of the listed price if the doll doesn't come in a box, that is, it's not mint. And if your doll is in less than excellent condition, it's probably only worth a fraction of what's written in the book. However, a played with doll is a loved doll and that may have it's own appeal. To find out the market value of your doll, you can also visit on line auctions and check out the closing prices of dolls similar to yours. You can get your doll appraised at a doll shop or an on line appraisal service.

While it's very difficult, and often expensive, to find an antique doll still in mint condition, you don't want to buy one with a missing leg either. You may want to get one in good condition with hope of being repaired if needed, and then have fun repairing it.

Some people only collect reproduced dolls. There's nothing wrong with buying a reproduction, but you have the right to know weather what you're buying is an original or reproduction.

Most valuable antique dolls have some sort of manufacturer's mark or initials on them. You may have to refer back to your guide. If your doll doesn't have any marks you can get it appraised at a doll shop or doll show for about $20. Keep in mind that not all dolls can be identified.

More ABOUT DOLLS here