Collectible Vintage Dollhouses Are Now Worth Up to $5,000
Did you know dollhouses can actually cost quite a few bucks? In fact, they have gained a lot of popularity recently. The New York Times reported that attendance at miniature-related shows has significantly increased, and your vintage collectible may now be worth way more than you have ever imagined.
Why Are Dollhouses Valuable Now?
Dollhouses are often passed down through generations, and their value is very high. Antiques pro Lori Verderame, PhD, an art historian, shares the reason for this. According to her, the 2020s have been the revival era of dollhouses because modern ones were introduced about 100 years ago. People normally collect in 50-year and 100-year cycles, so when an object reaches the 100-year mark, the prices increase immediately. Dollhouses have been around since the 17th century, and the 19th-century ones cost the most as they’re typically handcrafted in a truly authentic style.
Close-Up of a Dollhouse
While the late 19th and early 20th centuries may have been the golden age for dollhouses, modern ones also have much to offer. Vintage ones dating from the 1960s to the present are now hot collectible items. The Barbie movie also had an impact on the dollhouse market. The Barbie Dreamhouses are quite different from the traditional ones that have become more collectible than ever.
What to Look For
The tiny accessories included in a dollhouse can be easily lost. However, the miniature furniture, accessories, china, pots, pans, linens, and other everyday functional items attract collectors. Therefore, they may significantly increase the value of the dollhouse. Collectors also appreciate authentic architectural styles. For example, Victorian, Colonial, and mid-century modern dollhouses are preferred due to their specific design details.
How Much Is a Vintage Dollhouse Worth?
Some vintage dollhouses can even reach the price range of real houses. Dr. Lori has seen some sell for thousands — or even tens of thousands, at auctions. The Astolat Dollhouse Castle, a 29-room dollhouse filled with 10,000 miniature items, holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive dollhouse ever. It is valued at $8.5 million!
The Queen Mary Dollhouse, built for King George V’s consort by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924, is another of the most expensive. Actress Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle Dollhouse has also been on display at Chicago’s Museum of Science + Industry since 1949, and is valued at $7 million today.
Although yours may not be worth millions, vintage 20th-century dollhouses and their accessories have been sold for $1,000 or more. You can try eBay, where many have paid hundreds (or $5,000+ in rare cases!) for dollhouses with tiny paintings, animals, and tables. The value usually depends on the aesthetic, condition, age, and craft. So, take your old dollhouse out of storage and put it on the market!