Ashton Drake DollsThe Ashton Drake Galleries, which were originally a section of the Bradford Group of Companies, were founded in 1985, making them somewhat of a youngster in the collectible dolls world, but in just two decades they have become the world's largest direct marketer of limited edition, collectible vinyl and porcelain dolls. Unlike other companies that sell dolls through retail outlets, the Ashton Drake dolls promote and sell their unique dolls exclusively through catalogs, magazines and mailing lists, getting just as much business from word of mouth as their advertising campaigns. From the very beginning, the Ashton Drake Galleries have been committed to producing the high quality collectible dolls while keeping their prices at a level that makes them accessible to collectors of all budget ranges. Though the majority of their dolls are not what anyone might consider inexpensive, they certainly outshine many of the more expensive collectible dolls in value and style, which make them all the more popular with old and new collectors alike. While other doll companies are content to keep producing the same dolls they have been making for decades, the Ashton Drake Galleries are constantly coming up with new designs and innovations to make their line of collectible dolls stand out in the crowd. Just a few of their dolls with unique features are Chloe, with articulated wrists, ankles and neck that can be posed anywhere, Little Martha Viola, with a heart that really beats when you hold her, and twin Babies Charlie and Katie, who are the first anatomically accurate baby dolls in the So Truly Real line. What sets Ashton Drake dolls apart from other collectible dolls is their incredible realism and attention to detail. All the babies in their wildly acclaimed So Truly Real line have a special type of vinyl skin that contains tiny folds and creases to simulate the soft new skin of a newborn baby, individually implanted soft hairs on their heads and fingernails that are attached carefully to make them look just like they came home from the hospital. It's not unusual to hear people remark that they thought these special dolls were real babies until they got a closer look, which easily explains all the awards they have won over the years. Since all of their dolls are limited edition collectibles, the majority of the Ashton Drake doll collections increase quite rapidly in value. In fact, their first doll, Jason, is a great example, since his original offering price was only $48 when he was sold in 1985 and 1986. Since then, mint condition original Jason dolls have sold at auction for as much as $1200! Even a slightly used doll still in his original packaging can fetch $800 and more from a reputable dealer, so you can see just how quickly their value increases. Of course, being limited editions, it's also quite easy to find out how much they are worth. Price guides are updated frequently, and a good appraiser can certify your collectibles to make sure that you lock in their value early. This is most important if you're planning on selling your dolls later or purchasing an insurance policy for them. Ashton Drake dolls are without a doubt some of the finest collectible vinyl dolls being offered to the public today, and it has been said that once you hold one you'll never want to buy any other dolls again. However, this is definitely one doll for whom all the excitement is worth it. Just one touch on their silky, lifelike faces and you'll be a believer too! |