Raggedy Ann DollsCollectors and hobbyists are now actively seeking these dolls for both fun and profit. The charm of Raggedy Ann dolls has skyrocketed with entire websites devoted to collecting them. Doll enthusiasts now attend conventions and discuss Raggedy Ann and Andy in forums across the world. Raggedy Ann dolls were created in 1915 by author and artist Johnny Gruelle. A few years later he published the Raggedy Ann stories. Her brother, the Raggedy Andy doll, was born in 1920, and soon had a popular book series of his own. Part of the allure of these dolls is their simple, charming outfits. Raggedy Ann dolls are dressed in blue and white with red yarn for hair, while Raggedy Andy dolls are dressed in a sailor suit and hat. In honor of the dolls and their creator, the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum was opened in 1999 in Arcola, Illinois. Collecting these dolls is a fun way to bond with other family members and to keep the old charm of Raggedy Ann and Andy alive. True collectors are always on the lookout for interesting and valuable finds. For example, a set of Volland Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls from the 1920s or a Georgene black outlined nose Raggedy Ann doll can cost as much as $3000. Luckily collections can be started for much less. Artists continue to create their own versions of the doll. New dolls can range from $5 to $60 depending on the size. Vintage dolls are also becoming the rage. Imagine finding Raggedy Ann and Andy in a pile of forlorn stuffed toys at a local yard sale for a price of only fifty cents! Online auctions offer a variety of Raggedy Ann dolls ranging from $2 to over $100 depending on the age and quality of the doll. Raggedy Ann and Andy can also be found in a variety of costumes, such as cowboy and chef, and in a variety of ethnicities, such as African-American and Asian. The same holds true of the Raggedy Andy doll online. The prices will vary according to the age of the dolls. Basically, after Gruelle passed away, Georgene Novelties had the rights until 1962. After that, Knickerbocker Toy Company was licensed to produce the dolls until 1982. The Applause and Hasbro companies currently hold the license to create the dolls, but many homemade varieties exist as well. Now the dolls are marketed through divisions of these companies such as Playskool. Generally, Applause line dolls are sold through local retailers, while Hasbro line dolls are sold through larger chain outlets. Basic dolls from Hasbro or Applause run from about $12 to $18 new in the box. Doll collecting can be a fun way to relieve stress and to relive past childhood memories alone or with family members. You can join discussion groups, such as the one on MSN, or you can troll websites for a wealth of information. Basically, collectors offer a few pieces of advice. First, always keep Raggedy Ann and Andy together. You can buy them as sets, some of them limited edition sets with themes such as the 85th Birthday or the Picnic set. Next, don't overlook homemade dolls or accompanying items such as paper dolls or porcelain dolls. However you begin, Raggedy Ann dolls are a great way to start your collection! more than Raggedy Ann Dolls on our Collectible Dolls page
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