Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Ursula R. Mertz (Author)

Book Description

Series: Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls | Publication Date: January 4, 1999

Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls, 1900 - 1950 This exciting value guide is essential for collectors, researchers, and historians interested in all aspects of these truly American toys. Besides the 850 full-color photographs, a wealth of information is provided, including all technical aspects of production and history. Easy-to-follow guidelines assist the reader in determining the quality and value of a doll. Information on purchasing power is provided. Tips on proper maintenance and care of these priceless dolls are furnished, as well as a spotlight section on extraordinary doll designer Bernard Liptfert. 2006 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Being a doll restorationist, I am constantly receiving dolls to repair that need identification and their history. This is the most comprehensive compilation of compostion dolls I have ever read. The pictures are wonderful and the various articles so informative. I thought I knew just about all there was about composition dolls, but Ursala Mertz taught me even more great pieces of information. A must have winner! -Myrna McDaniel

About the Author

Ursula Mertz had been a doll collector since 1975, and composition dolls had become a full-time commitment. From 1976 to 1986 she had a repair business, specializing in parts restorations of compoition and other painted surface dolls. She had written numerous articles for major doll publications. She has since passed away.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; Revised edition (January 4, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574320807
• ISBN-13: 978-1574320800
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Dolls

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "FLIRTY-EYED" WINNER!* ( *Compo talk!), April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls) (Hardcover)

Wow! This wonderful compendium of American composition dolls is the most comprehensive and beautifully presented book ever written on the subject. What I most appreciated about this volume was that Ms. Mertz gave thorough descriptions of the dolls including markings, manufactured sizes, inconsistencies and even how these dolls were produced. So many other authors seem to "slap-dash" books together without paying attenton to these important details which truly make a collector's book worth its mettle. This book is not only filled with useful identification markings and values...it is also filled with the most professional of photographs that truly capture the spirit of each doll. It is obvious that this project was undertaken with great care, attention to detail and a lot of love for its subject. Even if one is not a doll collector, this is a book that captures a part of American design history and a simpler time when most major doll companies were still a family business..not some impersonal conglomerate. Hats-off to Ursula Mertz (and her husband) for creating this treasure of historical and collector's information. I think it belongs in the library of every doll collector and every historian of popular Americana.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for both the serious and casual doll collector., February 26, 1999

By 

Myrna McDaniel (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls) (Hardcover)

Being a doll restorationist, I am constantly receiving dolls to repair that need identification and their history. This is the most comprehensive compilation of compostion dolls I have ever read. The pictures are wonderful and the various articles so informative. I thought I knew just about all there was about composition dolls, but Ursala Mertz taught me even more great pieces of information. A must have winner!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE "MUST HAVE" REFERENCE FOR THE COMPOSITION DOLL COLLECTOR, January 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls) (Hardcover)

This is the reference compo doll collectors have waited for. Ursula Mertz's knowledge of composition dolls -- particularly the very early examples -- is unsurpassed. This volume is truly encyclopedic. The first chapters deal with the history of the dolls and how they were made, essential to the serious and beginning collector alike. Mertz tells what one should look for in buying a compo doll today. The bulk of the book consists of a "by manufacturer" Gallery of Dolls, featuring wonderful photos of composition dolls from the years 1900 to 1950, many of which have never been seen in any previous doll book. Photos, mostly by Mertz's husband, Otto, are first rate. It is the composition doll book by which all others, past or future, will be measured.