An Inventory of Popular Barbie Doll Collections

As one of the oldest types of toys in the world, the field of dolls gives rise to numerous collecting specialties - far too numerous to list in a brief article. A representative list of doll collecting genres includes:

Barbie Doll Collections

Barbie, introduced in 1959, is the world's best-selling doll and the subject of countless collections around the world. Through the years many versions of Barbie have been introduced including Romantic Interlude Barbie, Malibu Barbie, and Sheer Illusion Barbie. Every conceivable fashion and replica costume has been shrunk down to the size of her diminutive frame and many specialty Barbies are extremely valuable.

American Girl Doll Collection

American Girl, a Mattel subsidiary, produces an 18-inch doll line of characters with individual histories representing given periods, professions, and life roles. There are currently eight dolls in the American Girl line.

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Bisque Doll Collection

Bisque dolls made of unglazed porcelain began to be manufactured in Germany in the 19th century. A porcelain doll collection is one of the more expensive doll genres because so few of the pieces have survived to the present without sustaining some damage. Those that are in good to excellent condition are expensive and rare.

Papier Mache Doll Collection

As the name suggest, these dolls are made of hardened paper pulp and appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, remaining popular in the early 20th. They were some of the first mass-produced dolls, offering a cheaper alternative to wooden dolls but with a fair degree of durability.

Ethnic Dolls

Ethnic dolls may be of any genre but must symbolize a certain place, group or country. It is a popular hobby for young girls to try to get a doll from every company in Europe or from around the world.

Miniature Doll Collection

Miniature dolls are dolls which does not exceed six inches. Again, they may be tied to any of the major doll genres but are distinguished by their relatively small size.

Custom Made Dolls

Custom made dolls can be commissioned from doll makers in any size or material. These unique pieces can be anything from a lovable rag doll meant to be played with daily by an adoring child to modern-day porcelain figures destined for elegant clothing and a life in a display case.

Limited Edition Dolls

Limited edition dolls are produced in small quantities and can appear in any doll line. Many of the specialty Barbies are limited editions and can be prized and expensive acquisitions. Limited Editions are often on a collectors "most wanted doll collection" list.

Armed with a good degree of preparation your Barbie doll collections or American girl doll collection will be a pleasant and consuming hobby that will give you years of satisfaction.

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