There are books on black dolls which include identification and values.  Debbie Behan Garrett has written two:  The Definitive Guide to Collecting Black Dolls (2003) and Black Dolls: Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion (2008).  Myla Perkins' two doll references, Black Dolls an Identification and Value Guide 1820 to 1991 and the followup, Black Dolls an Identification and Value Guide Book II, remain the two books that are Garrett's go tos for black dolls made prior to the 1990s. 

 

 

If you are seeking identification on a black doll or dolls but do not own any of the aforementioned titles, Garrett might be able to help you identify your doll and would be more than happy to do so.  

The consulting fee is $27.50 per research hour.  Depending on the number of dolls, the identification should not require more than an hour or two and would include ID only without an assessed value unless the doll has been published in a doll reference that includes a value, in which case that book value assessment and the year of the assessment will be shared with you.   

The initial hour’s fee is payable upfront by Paypal.  If Ms. Garrett is unable to identify the doll(s) or unable to provide a sufficient amount of information that leads to the identification, any payments made upfront will be refunded.  If the doll is determined to be a handmade, one-of-a-kind doll, the upfront payment will be partially refunded.  

If you would like Garrett's assistance in identifying your doll(s), please do the following:

 

1.  Remit $27.50 Paypal to cover the cost of the initial research.  If any additional time will be required, you will be notified.   Use the email button to receive instructions. 

2. Forward pictures as an email attachment (see email icon below) or provide online links to the photos.

3. Share the material from which the doll is made (e.g. cloth, plastic, composition, etc.) and,

4. Provide the height and any manufacturer's marks which can usually be found on the nape of the neck or on the back.