Antique Kewpie
Antique Kewpie Doll Guide
The Kewpie doll, normally called Kewpie, gained their popularity in the early 1900’s after they were first produced by German toy manufacturers. These dolls were based on the illustrations made by an artist named Rose O’Neill, which came out in the 1909 issue of the Ladies’ Home Journal. Since it was first produced in 1912, the dolls have grown more in popularity extending to other products such as postcards, paper dolls, coloring books, cups, and plates making its creator rich and famous. The popularity of the Kewpie dolls especially the earlier ones made of bisque extends to today. The Antique Kewpie is prized by doll collectors all over the world and is sure to fetch the strongest prices in auctions. For serious doll collectors and for those who just have a sentimental place in their hearts for these adorable Kewpies, how exactly do you get a hold of an Antique Kewpie?
Tips that may help you find a Vintage Kewpie doll
1) Decide whether you want an Antique Kewpie or a reproduction and have a limit on what you are willing to spend on it. Reproduction Kewpies are also prevalent in the market making the Vintage Kewpie doll much more expensive because they are harder to find. So you have to be sure that you are not settling for reproductions and are willing to spend money on the antique.
2) Visit online auction sites that may have antique Kewpies up for auction or you can check out online doll shops or toy stores that may have Kewpie dolls on hand. This can be very time consuming but it is a hassle free way for you to find exactly what you want. Then looking to find any antique, you need to do lots of research about it and in a sense become an expert on it.
3) If you have the time to spare and would personally like to see the item for yourself. You can check out local antique shops or collectibles to stores to see if they have antique Kewpies in their inventory. This way you can get to see in detail what you need to lookout for. It is also a great way to ask antique dealers more questions about these dolls and increase your knowledge.
4) Most Antique Kewpies are made of bisque so before you make your purchase make sure you are getting the real thing and a good deal in terms of the quality of what you’re purchasing. Then buying Kewpie bisque dolls, it is important that you properly inspect it first for hairline cracks, any restoration jobs that may have been done to the doll, and for other damages that it may have obtained through the years. Be wary also of modern reproductions of Kewpies which are also made of bisque. As a rule, modern bisque dolls have surfaces as smooth as glass while antique dolls have bisque that is more or less rougher to the touch.
One thing when looking to invest in any valuable item or keepsake is to do lots of research on it. Don’t just jump in and buy anything that’s looks good, check it out thoroughly. Learn as much as you can about the item and become an expert on it. When you know as much as possible on the item, you will make the right choice.
