Date: Fri 23-Oct-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

NADDA

Full Text:

The National Antique Doll Dealer's Association W/Cuts/EWM

By Lauren Jaeger

WILMINGTON, DEL. -- While the 12th annual National Antique Doll Dealer's

Association show was smaller than other East Coast shows, the thousands of

spectacular German, French and American dolls on view -- backed by the

reputations of the nation's leading dealers -- attracted hundreds of serious

buyers from as far away as Europe.

Although any honest dealer would point out defects, in many cases these flaws

could only be noticed by someone who has handled antique dolls for years. An

inexperienced buyer could easily and innocently overlook replaced parts on the

multi-joined composition bodies, or new glass eyes and wigs, and these factors

make buying from the association members an added benefit.

Becoming a member isn't easy. First, a candidate must be a dealer of antique

dolls for at least five years. Secondly, he or she needs the sponsorship of

two other dealers in the organization.

Under the leadership of newly elected president John Clendenien, the

organization will probably reintroduce the lectures that used to be features

of the shows, and make a proactive effort to educate the public on the

workmanship, rarity and beauty of antique dolls.

One educational outreach program is still ongoing: All NADDA shows include a

special exhibit on a particular doll. This year's focus was on Raggedy Ann,

with dozens of spectacular examples made by Volland, Molly'es, and Georgene.

They were displayed together in a showcase along with one extremely rare 1935

example -- with a $10,000 value -- made by the Exposition Doll Company.

All of the Raggedy Anns, as well as a couple of Andys, Beloved Belindys, and

two rare Johnny Gruelle character dolls named Uncle Clem and Sunny Bunny, were

from the collections of Tore Scelso, Rebecca Mucchetti, and Nancy Smith.

Also in keeping with the show's tradition, a fine antique doll was raffled off

at the end of the day.

Although gate attendance was reportedly under 400, most attendees were looking

to purchase an addition to their collection, and the majority of dealers

interviewed said that they were happy with sales. And because of the show's

reputation, several of the dealers, such as Debra Gulea of Debra's Dolls,

Mullica Hill, N.J., make it one of the very few they will consider

participating in.

Countess Maree Tarnowska, of the Bahamas, described sales as steady. "I like

this show," she said. "I like the setup. People have time to talk to you. The

organizers take good care of you and provide us with a break and with lunch so

we don't worry. The show is very well organized, and I wish other [promoters]

took care of [their] dealers like NADDA [does]."

John Clendenien of Mechanicsburg, Pa., the newly installed president, reported

that the "less expensive characters in the $1,000 to $2,000 range moved pretty

well. I have not had as much success with the `dolly faced' dolls, but I know

other dealers have."

Clendenien, who has been acquiring dolls for 30 years, has seen the trends

come and go. "Prices have gone up and there are a lot of newer collectors

interested in the newer dolls," he said. "You probably have more selectivity."

Kate Smalley, Branford, Conn., who maintains a thriving mail order business,

said she sold a Victorian sleigh with original velour cushioning and several

German bisque dolls by Simon & Halbig and Hanswerck.

Kay Jensen of Amador City, Cal., said that she sold a set of Dionne

Quintuplets and a variety of German bisque. "Right now it's been a variety of

things," she reported. "Condition is extremely important. Some customers only

come to this show -- period. The items are safe and they know that."

Donna Kirsch Smith, of Punta Gorda, Fl., said she sold 11 all-bisques.

"Everything seems to be popular but I'm almost completely sold out of the

all-bisques," she said.

Pamela Farr displayed a rare black papier-mache couple. One foot of each doll

was signed "Ethel G. Sanders, N.A. 1921" or "Ethel Gray Sanders, N.A.," in

white paint. She reported that the dolls, which she priced at $30,000, were

originally in a small museum in New York State.

"I bought them in 1980," she said. "I know the Atlanta Doll & Toy Museum had a

similar example. We still don't know what `N.A.' stands for. I've had a lot of

interested people but so far no prospective buyers."

Richard Wright, a well-known dealer from Birchrunville, Pa., said he recently

purchased a collection of 65 dolls and sold out at this show. "Everything

sells," he said. "The hardest part of the business is to buy."

NADDA holds one show a year, always in Wilmington, and a traveling show

roughly every other year. Last April, the dealers set up in Seattle. In the

year 2000, they will stage the event in San Francisco.