antique shirley temple dolls
Shirley Temple is probably the most famous American child star of all times; and to commemorate her Ideal launched a series antique Shirley Temple dolls.
Antique Shirley Temple dolls were dressed in clothing similar to that worn by the actress in her films. Nowadays, these dolls are top sellers within collectors’ circles. They were first made in 1934 and popularity lasted until the 1940’s, though they were still produced until Ideal went out of business in the 1970’s. Most of the porcelain collectible versions of the Shirley Temple doll were made by Danbury Mint.
The doll has been made in different materials as porcelain and vinyl, and has come in a wide variety of sizes, anywhere between 11 and 36 inches. From young child to adolescent, doll makers produced antique Shirley Temple dolls resembling virtually every character she played in the movies, from the Little Princess to Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm to the Littlest Rebel. These dolls sell at prices anywhere from $50 to thousands, depending on the year of make, the condition and the material they are made of.