A Guide to Pricing Horsman Dolls
The Horsman Doll Company, like other companies, used the same doll face style to make different versions of the doll within a given year's production. The quality of the doll was the same, but the clothing styles and materials, as well as the accessories and hair, varied.
There were usually three different styles of a popular dolls made (and many sizes). For example:
- Rosebud with sateen dress, slip, shoes, socks and hat;
- Rosebud with organdy dress, slip, shoes, socks and no hat; and
- Rosebud with cotton dress shoes and socks.
Types of Doll Hair
The type of hair which a doll has also adds to its value. Horsman made the dolls described above with:
- Human hair wigs
- Mohair wigs
- Molded hair
The value of the dolls would follow the order given in the list above, i.e., the doll with molded hair would be of lesser value than the one with human hair and more likely would have fewer accessories. Clothing, hair and accessories were modified to meet the public taste and budget.
Accessories, Etc.
Similarly, one can expect other attributes to the doll to enhance its value, such as the inclusion of a voice box. The Horsman Doll Company made every attempt to include clever accessories. In the 1950s dolls, for example, there were miniature and life-size advertising products, e.g., miniature Ivory Soap bars, life size Evenflo nursing bottles, miniature Carnation Milk cans, etxc. In a word, the better the hair and clothing and the more added features there are, such as a voice box and accessories, the higher the price of the doll. Horsman Dolls were originally made to be played with as toys. Because these dolls were made and marketed for children, there are very few to be found in mint condition and in the original box.
It is rare to find a Horsman Doll in excellent condition and if you do the value of the doll would be somewhat increased. Here is an example of Rosebud in pristine condition.
I have included a Video Bar that includes several Youtube videos about dolls. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog and check them out!
Reference: The Horsman Dolls 1950 to 1970 by Patikii Gibbs