These Vintage Toys Are Worth *How* Much? Here Are the Most Valuable Madame Alexander Dolls
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It seems like every generation brings with it new games and toys that help define that particular time in history. While some individuals and families sell or donate their household toys after a certain point, others hold onto them for decades—possibly from sentimentality, or perhaps the hope that they will, eventually, be worth a lot of money. This brings us to Madame Alexander Dolls' value.
Dolls have been around for a very long time. The earliest dolls were made from materials like clay, stone, wood, bone ivory, leather and even wax. There is actual archaeological evidence that leads us to believe that dolls were one of the oldest known toys.
Eventually, dolls were constructed from finer materials like ceramic, along with developing moving legs, arms and eyes. And in 1923, Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman stepped out of the box and created the Madame Alexander Doll Company. One of her first entertainment-related doll designs was based on the character Scarlett O’Hara, from Gone with the Wind.
Madame Alexander believed that dolls made great tools for teaching young children empathy and compassion. “Dolls can bring out the creative instincts in children” was a statement made by the doll maker herself, which encapsulates her core beliefs that dolls are more than just toys.
These dolls have stood the test of time, maintaining the status of striking quality and superior craftsmanship.
Today, collectors pay quite a bit of money for Madame Alexander dolls, shelling out anywhere from $100-$500. But if you are lucky enough to be holding onto a rarer model (or limited edition), those can go for as much as $20,000!
Keep scrolling to see how a Madame Alexander doll’s value is calculated and find out what the most valuable dolls are to collect.
Related: We're Not Toying With You! These Really Are the Most Popular Toys From the '50s
Madame Alexander Dolls' Value
As with all antiques—age, condition and desirability are the three main criteria to use when assessing old dolls. Other things to consider when calculating value are the condition of the doll’s clothing, whether or not there is a wrist tag and, of course, the rarity of the doll.
Madame Alexander dolls were mostly created using the same face plates. So clothing, accessories and tags are vital in identifying the dolls.
And just because something is old, doesn’t mean it holds value. Sometimes the market is finicky, and values fluctuate.
If you are wondering if you have a precious asset, then learning the difference in the types of value is important to understand as you try to evaluate the monetary value of a Madame Alexander doll.
Retail value - This refers to the selling price of a secondary market doll in an antique or collectible shop. In the case of newly released Madame Alexander dolls, it's the selling price in a department store, toy store or other type of retail outlet.
Auction value or open market value - The actual selling price of a doll that it sells at an auction.
Fair market value - After the discussion of any relevant information regarding the sale, both parties agree upon a price.
Wholesale value - Dealers usually sell at 33-50 percent less than the retail value of a secondary market doll. New Madame Alexander dolls' prices are set depending on the volume sold.
Estate value or tax value - Determined by taking an average of the actual closing auction prices of the same doll, in relatively the same condition.
Insurance value - Cost replacement should the doll be stolen or destroyed.
Today's Most Valuable Madame Alexander Dolls
Theriault's helps both doll collectors and buyers via auctions on their website. According to their site, "Founded in 1970 by Florence and George Theriault, the firm has specialized exclusively in the appraisal and auction of antique dolls and childhood playthings throughout its 50-year history."
Here are some examples of the most valuable Madame Alexander dolls they currently have available.
Pristine and very rare "Pink Champagne" Portrait Lady from the mystery doll series, 1951.
Realized price: $44,000
Madame Alexander, 1946, from her Portrait Series of that year, the doll was presented as Antoinette, intended to represent Marie Antoinette.
Realized price: $20,000
"Cissy 2095". Cissy in Walking the Dog Ensemble 1955.
Realized price: $17,500
Burnette Mystery Bride from early portrait series with rare costume, 1948-49.
Realized price: $8,400
Madame Alexander, 1938, "Princess Flavia" from her Portrait Series, the doll represented the character from the 1937 film, "The Princess of Zenda".
Realized price: $4,000
"Maid of Honor" appeared in the firm's 1960 Portrait series.
Realized price: $2,800
Cissy in Emerald Green Brocade Gown and Wrap 1958. This was the rare green variation that was presented as both a dressed doll and as a boxed extra costume.
Realized price: $2,200
W.A.V.E. Madame Alexander (costume), circa 1943.
Realized price: $2,100
Rare model 1780, described in the 1963 catalog as "Queen Elizabeth II.
Realized price: $2,200
Extremely rare Kins as Infant of Prague from Biblical series, 1957.
Realized price: $3,200
Cira 1950, Blonde Margaret Bride with painting in wreath gown.
Realized price: $4,200
So, clean out those old closets and stop at flea markets, thrift stores or yard sales. One of those dusty, crusty (and let's face it, sometimes creepy) dolls, may just be worth enough for a fantastic vacation!
Next, How Much Are Your Beanie Babies Really Worth? 41 Most Valuable Tys Of All Time
