Price guides often give the value for a mint doll so it is helpful to know how much to reduce the price for flaws such as minor cracks and major cracks. A good price guide can help you make these determinations. Keep in mind that prices listed in price guides are a combination of the average of what dealers charge when they sell dolls, as well as the judgment of the author of the price guide. The value of an item that has been restored or repainted can be higher, lower or the same as similar dolls, depending on the item and the quality of the workmanship. An item that has been restored or repainted can increase or decrease the value of the item, depending on the item and the quality of the workmanship.
Cautious restoration consists only of careful cleaning.
Most antique dolls have had some type of restoration done at some time in their past, and it can be difficult or impossible to know what has been repaired. The best indication of the quality of restoration work is the way the doll looks. Poorly done repairs, such as careless painting or a poorly fixed finger, are often obvious to the eye. Generally, novice collectors should be cautious before buying a restored item and even more careful about attempting a repair on their own. A cleaning effort gone awry can destroy an item's value.