Antique Dolls Houses

The Miniature Doll House Fascination

Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know many miniature enthusiasts. What fascinates them about seeing familiar objects in a tiny, realistic form?

Much more than a child’s plaything, building doll houses, and ultimately decorating and furnishing them in a theme of your choice, has become an adult hobby. The only way to improve on that, is to have a daughter or grand-daughter who can share that interest and passion with you.

Personally, my miniature interest lies in antique miniatures and dolls, more so than in modern works. The strange thing about that is the fact that antique pieces were seldom created with a true eye to scale, and scale is of utmost importance to me when viewing modern miniatures.

The craftsmanship involved in creating tiny little porcelain dolls, with jointed limbs, often hand blown inset glass eyes, real mohair wigs is amazing. Add to that the primitive conditions within the factories that many of these dolls were created in, adds to my amazement. Many of these tiny dolls have lasted in excess of 100 years , they have been handled, and played with, loved and often abandoned, only to turn up years later in an attic somewhere.

The furnishings of this same era were often handmade, often primitive, and much did not stand the test of time as well as the little dolls did. To find, own and enjoy these pieces today is a delight.

Manufactured doll house furnishings of this era, were often made in Germany as were the little dolls. I had a dear friend of German origin bring her childhood collection over to me to help her sell. She is in excess of 90 years old, a delightful lady who still teaches piano, runs her own household, and dresses her dolls. She had a story to tell about every piece of furniture, and remembers hours spent with her sister in creating the tiny little bed linens, doll clothes and lampshades. I like to think there are similar stories about every antique piece that comes my way.

Also of importance to me is for miniatures to be made of the material they are in real life.

If a bed is representing one made of wood, I cannot tolerate it in plastic. (sorry Chrysenbon) If bathroom fixtures are representing porcelain pieces, then do not make them in wood! Realism is very important in my own collections.

Some enthusiasts enjoy making all of their own furnishings and accessories, even their own dolls. This exacting craft can only be admired by those of us less talented, but certainly makes their fascination obvious.

Some crafters make such exquisite pieces that the prices can command as much as their full size counterparts. There are miniature artists, who paint on tiny canvases each work of art is a one of a kind painting. Other artists paint on tiny plates, even buttons as canvases.

There are miniature artists who do miniature needlepoint, knitting, rug making and pottery as well as wood workers.

One thing I have found is once someone embraces this hobby, it is usually a life long obsession.

About the Author

For more information on miniatures and doll houses, visit http://www.eloradollhouse.com. Jayne Cremasco has been a miniature and doll house retailer for over 25 years.

DEVON HOUSE

Antique WONDER GARDEN GAME – 1/12″ scale Doll House Miniature $4.99

Antique CHRISTMAS GOOSE GAME – 1/12″ scale Doll House Miniature $5.99

LITTLE MOTHER GOOSE Antique Game -1/12″ scale Doll House Miniature $5.99

Antique Charming Victorian Doll House with 3 Floors/2 Fireplaces/Chimey/Stairs $4,000.00

Antique Marklin miniature doll house metal baby crib rare $1,395.00

Antique German CHRISTIAN HACKER DOLLS’ HOUSE BAY WINDOWS $5,900.00

Antique Doll House Bistro Table & Chairs $14.99

Antique Victorian Folk Art Tin Doll House Hand Made $2,450.00

ATTRACTIVE ANTIQUE CONTINENTAL PORCELAIN DOLLS HOUSE MINIATURE BASKET – NO RESER $1.56

ANTIQUE VINTAGE DOLLS HOUSE FURNITURE MINIATURE VICTORIAN CHEST OF DRAWERS $60.21

Antique German Miniature Doll House gilt painted pewter chandelier light fixture $425.00

Antique German Miniature Doll House gilt painted pewter chandelier light fixture $695.00

doll house MINI PARLOR STOVE VINTAGE ANTIQUE FURNITURE $23.99

WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE DOLLS HOUSE MINIATURE CHINA & POTTERY $21.32

Sindy chair yellow furniture vintage doll house toy antique girl soft plastic $9.99

Antique ABC Bliss Lithograph Chair Letters N & O Dollhouse Doll House Victorian $25.00

Antique Miniature 3 1/2″ China Doll House DOLL CLOTH BODY-PORCELAIN HEAD,LIMBS $49.99

Antique German miniature doll house medicine cabinet $175.00

Vintage Antique Wooden Blue Doll House Kitchen Mini Cooking Pan Pots 8 Set $9.95

ANTIQUE DOLL HOUSE DOLLHOUSE DOLL LEAD COMPOSITION WIGGED ORIGINAL $30.00

Vintage Antique Doll House Miniature White Enamel Ware Pitcher 1 5/8″ Tall $15.00

Doll House Clear with Painted Flower Antique Table Lamp Styled Wired $5.99

Antique Black Sewing Knitting Machine 1:12 Doll’s House Dollhouse Miniature MIB $11.99

6″ Antique Doll House China Head Man Doll circa 1890 $100.00

8 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (8) $43.00

8 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (9) $43.00

10 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (7) $32.00

6 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (6) $57.00

10 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (11) $34.00

12 x antique miniature doll house flowers * German at 1900-1920 (12) $42.00

2011 Guide Antique Doll Houses Kitchens Miniatures Etc $59.00

Storybook style Bisque ‘30/40s doll & clothes vintage antique dollhouse house $34.33

Miniature Vintage Antique Photograph Portrait in Gold Metal Frame – Doll House? $12.00

Alice Villa 2 ¾” Replica -Vintage/Antique Style Miniature Dolls House – Handmade $71.13

Antique doll house miniature porcelain soldier figurine $175.00

Antique doll house miniature porcelain soldier figure $175.00

Antique doll house miniature porcelain soldier horse $175.00

Antique doll house miniature porcelain fox hound figure $125.00

doll house MINI VINTAGE ANTIQUE STOVE FURNITURE COOK $43.99

Old Antique German Bisque Head Trunk Clothes Vintage 1910 Dolls House Doll Fine $58.47

doll house MINI COPPER HEART MIRROR WALL ANTIQUE DECOR $13.99

doll house mini CARPET ANTIQUE AUBUSSON RUG BLUE FLOORING 8″ W x 9.5″ L $29.99

doll house savonnerie RUG VINTAGE CARPET ANTIQUE PINK FLORAL FLOORING COTTON $28.99

doll house MINI WALNUT FURNITURE MIRROR DRESSER ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CHEST DIVIDERS $22.00

Vintage Antique Miniature Desk for Doll House 3.50″ $9.99

Antique / Vintage ? Doll house Minature Mom lady Bisque ? Porcelain ? $9.99

Antique Child’s Doll house needlepoint Rug – Round $2.99

Vintage Antique Doll House Toys ESTATE SALE FIND $9.99

Vintage Antique Doll House Tin Toys Furniture ESTATE SALE FIND #2 $37.09

Antique Doll House Furniture Miniature Porcelain 3 pc. Old Bathroom Set $9.99

Vintage Antique Barbie Doll House Dress Collection Inventory Software + Free Ads $19.95

Antique Doll House Furniture Rooms & Accessories Guide $89.00

Schneegas antique doll house miniature table with leaves $225.00

DOLL HOUSE ACCESSORIES COOKBOOK ANTIQUE GERMAN XY8 $69.00

antique doll house miniature andirons typewriter candle stick planter truck $19.99

antique miniature doll house bed metal brass gold 1900 $29.00

antique miniature doll house metal lantern bucket shoe Cracker Jacks $29.00

antique vintage miniature wool hooked doll house rug mat floral $39.00

Doll house miniature antique doll, all original fully outfitted $59.95

Antique Doll House Minature Cast Metal Sewing Machine $9.99

VINTAGE 1976 DURHAM DIE-CAST ANTIQUE WALL CRANK PHONE DOLL HOUSE MINIATURE $10.50

ANTIQUE MINIATURE DOLL HOUSE ANIMAL SHAPED CHILDRENS MOLDS $16.00

ANTIQUE VINTAGE MINIATURE BOOK SHAKESPEARE DOLLS HOUSE ITEM – TWELFTH NIGHT $7.89

doll house mini VINTAGE ANTIQUE CHINESE RUG CARPET FLOORING TAN ANTS $19.99

Dolls house Miniature Ladies shop Filled cabinet. Antique french crackle style. $75.87

Dolls house FRENCH STYLE PALE CREAM EMBROIDERED SILK AND ANTIQUE LACE BED $102.75

Antique All Bisque German Glass eye Boy 6 piece Body Doll House $115.00

lot of antique enamel doll house or childplay kitchenware $150.00

Antique LOT Tiny Bisque Doll House Dolls and Celluloid Kewpie TLC need new homes $5.99

Antique JUMEAU DOLL BOX – 1/12″ scale Doll House Miniature $4.99

BEAUTIFUL MINIATURE DOLL HOUSE SIZE BABY STROLLER CAST METAL ANTIQUE! $4.99

Antique doll house miniature German tin small piano $195.00

Antique Doll House History Guide Victorian European $10.75

Antique Japanese Japan 1:24 1:25 Model Doll’s House Dollhouse Furniture Full Set $1.82

ANTIQUE DOLL ON SWING WITH TURN KEY WIND-UP WITH TIN HOUSE TOWER – COLLECTABLE $40.00

Antique Doll House Tin Hand Mirror av27 $6.99

Doll House Accessories Antique Porcelin Sink/ metal legs, faucet &drain $39.99

Vintage Antique Miniature Gold Framed Picture Photograph Portrait – Doll House ? $11.86

Antique German Doll House Petroleum Lamp $349.99

Vintage Miniature Doll House Antique Style Hand Treadle Sewing Machine Sylvanian $5.06

Antique Vintage doll house thermometer in Art Nouveau style $45.00

Vintage antique dollhouse drapes doll house Possibly German 1880s doll house $24.99

Vintage antique dollhouse pillows pillow doll house with lace $9.99

Antique doll house miniature metal nickel fireplace $275.00

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE LOT OF TOY DOLLS HOUSE ITEMS, ANTIQUE TRIVET,WATERCAN.STRAINER $24.00

Antique German wooden doll house furniture Desk Biedermeier Wagner & Sohne 1880s $175.00

Antique doll house furniture German newspaper from 1880s possibly Wagner & Sohne $15.00

Antique doll house furniture porcelain Cup & pitcher German ? $7.99

Small Antique Metal Stove for Doll House Kitchen 4″ Wide No Reserve $19.99

Antique doll house miniature Marklin metal fireplace $425.00

Antique doll house miniature white metal fireplace $425.00

Antique doll house miniature white & gold fireplace marble mantle $475.00

Lot of 3 Antique Style Pewter Victorian Miniature Doll House Chair Furniture $9.99

Vtg Antique Brass Miniature Doll House 3-Arm Candlesticks Candelabra $15.75

Tiny Exquisite Antique /Vintage Little Wooden Dolls House Peg Doll $27.06

DOLL HOUSE ACCESSORIES COFFEE SET ANTIQUE GERMAN XY3 $129.00

Charming Antique Dolls House Bisque Baby Doll $9.47

French Market Antique doll house Table & 4 chairs set! Gottschalk miniature!!! $395.00

Schneegas antique doll house marbel sideboard buffet $225.00

Schneegas antique doll house marble lg sideboard washstand $185.00

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Le Petite 9-Piece Tea Set $59.95 The best selling dinnerware pattern in the world! The nostalgic warmth of Old Country Roses has stood the test of time. The cluster of roses almost fills the air with a sweet smell. Available in every serving piece and giftware imaginable. Old Country Roses is a pattern to be cherished….

Antique Shop Display w Dollhouse Miniatures Room Box By Reutter Porcelain Vignette $205.00 Fabulous Antique Shop Display Shadowbox by Reutter Porcelain. Beautiful cherrywood shop with display window, working door and transom. Front window slides up and out for easy housekeeping. Chock full of fine quality miniature porcelain pieces typical of an antique shop. Includes several clocks, a globe, lamps, tea set, steins, framed photos, walking sticks, ink stand and quill pen and more. Porcel…

Antike Puppenstube – 24W x 19H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Melissa & Doug Deluxe 10-Piece Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks $6.57 This set of ten sturdy cardboard blocks will keep your little one engaged for hours. Each colorful, bold block has beautifully illustrated letters and images on every side. Stack them high to build a soaring tower, or link them together on the ground. Nesting block measures 5.8″H x 5.8″W x 5.8″D….

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Ice Cream Parlor Set $29.99 A sweet treat for a child’s imagination, the Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Parlor Set lets children make believe they’re running an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. The play set comes with realistic looking, stackable ice cream scoops in four “flavors,” two sturdy wooden cones, and two scoopers. Designed for children ages three and up, this charming toy requires no batteries and no assembly, making it …

Melissa & Doug Classic Heirloom Victorian Doll House $74.99 Elegant Victorian style has never been so affordable! No detail has been overlooked in the design of this easily assembled wooden dollhouse. Excellent quality and distinctive detailing throughout the interior and exterior of this house will make it an heirloom to be cherished for years to come! Scale 1:12….

The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh $19.25 Summary:Presents a comprehensive, unabridged collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories, accompanied by Shepard’s original full-color illustrations, as well as headbands and ribbon markers, colorful bookplate, and biographies of the author and illustrator.About the Author:•0Author: A. A. MilneIllustrator:0Publisher:Dutton JuvenilePublished Date:10/01/1996Format:HardcoverISBN:0525457232#of pag…

The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh $24.44 Seventy-five years ago, that most beloved of “silly old bears,” Winnie-the-Pooh, came down the stairs, “bump, bump, bump,” on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. And now, after generations of children have grown up on stories about Pooh’s adventures with his forest friends, the four all-time children’s classics from A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard have been collected in one …

The Doll People $2.80 Annabelle Doll is 8 years old–and has been for over 100 years. Nothing much has changed in the dollhouse during that time, except for the fact that 45 years ago, Annabelle’s Auntie Sarah disappeared from the dollhouse without a trace. After all this time, restless Annabelle is becoming more and more curious about her aunt’s fate. And when she discovers Auntie Sarah’s old diary, she beco…