A doll is a model of a human being, often used as a toy for children. Modern doll manufacturing has its roots in Germany, going back to the 15th century. During the 20th century, dolls became increasingly popular as collectibles.
Kathy Libraty of Brooklyn, New York, owns a fascinating collection of antique dolls. She began assembling her collection 25 years ago during a chance meeting with an elderly man on a residential street. Since that fateful encounter, Libraty has amassed more than 1,000 pieces valued at more than $2 million.
When she and her husband, Frank, bought an old Victorian house, her love for antiques continued when the couple began to attend country auctions. She noticed people bought antique doll parts in almost any condition.
While driving through their neighborhood on the way to pick up her parents, they witnessed a young man throwing away antiques. One of the items, Libraty noticed, was an antique doll’s leg. The couple took the box of stuff off his hands.
Instead of “worthless junk”, Libraty discovered a rare, 24-inch George Borgfeldt doll alongside several composition mama dolls and a broken bisque Cuno and Otto Dressel Shoulder head doll. Her collection started when someone else’s trash became her treasure.
Her obsession landed her notoriety among doll collectors. She updates her collection regularly, and sells pieces for hundreds of dollars. Libraty travels to Europe to find many of her treasures. Some dolls she pays just a few dollars for, while the most expensive one she bought to date was $50,000.
The businesswoman also lends her talents as an antique doll appraiser for people’s private collections.
What do you think of Kathy Libraty’s doll collection? What do you collect? Use the comments section below and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!
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