I have 2 1985 Shader porcelain clown dolls, Martin and Timmy. I am trying to find a value for them. I know I paid $265 each for them in 1985-1986.
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These are not just "run of the mill" dolls so I doubt that anyone on this site will be able to give you even a "guesstimate" value. Your best bet for finding a present day value would be a local antique shop, preferable one that specializes in dolls as they would have the ability to do research with special programs that are not available to anyone on this site.
Thank you for replying and giving your input. I had a feeling they did not increase in value. More than likely they decreased. I do appreciate your answer.
Your question about having your doll bands replaced kinda got lost in the excitement of seeing your dolls but if you live in a larger metropolis you may be able to find someone locally but I would want to see some of their work before leaving a doll. I would also suggest you get more than one estimate of charges and also have plenty of pictures of your doll before leaving it anywhere.
There are two doll hospitals that I am acquainted with and their restoration work is excellent. I know you already know that any work done on a doll is expensive but it is still a good idea to shop around as your doll is not in need of true restoration just repairs.
You can check these out if you do not find anything locally.
Wow! I have never seen these in person! I was working in a Gold Crown Hallmark shoppe when these two were created, but we never carried them. I read about them in the trade mags of the day.
Sadly, Kenneth Shader passed away in 2016 after quite the prolific and kinda sad career as he faced many challenges.
There was a nice article about his hey day years in Inc.:
www.inc.com/
I am shocked none are on eBay current or sold. Just about everything ends up there sooner or later. Maybe someone on this site has access to the auction cybergrannie referenced to get a feel for the value when Timmy sold. I can't locate anything current about Martin.
If they come up, a sold price would be able to give you an at the moment current market value. I am going to keep an eye out and see what I learn. Hearing about these brought back some fond memories for me!
Thanks for sharing. I feel bad I can't be of more assistance.
I saw one on eBay. The asking price was $1300.
These are vintage dolls and made by the Shader's China Doll company I looked up prices for dolls or clowns made by this company and found out a few of them have been listed on eBay for $300. I feel that this isn't a good indication of the value of your clowns. But considering one of them is damaged and needs some repair this would seem like a fair price for the clown.
I'm not where to find a doll hospital that would do this type of repair. Normally, you'd want one in your area so you didn't need to box the clown up and ship it off. I'm not sure where you live so this one is a bit difficult to help you with.
Thank you all who replied. I will probably keep them for now since they have more sentimental value. I have always kept them in a sitting position and I feel the band may have stretched a bit. Other than that they are in near mint condition. Thanks, again for all the help.
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