Austin Smith and Margaret Harkins began collecting dolls in 1949 and amassed over 1,000 dolls in their large home near Bath, Somerset. The collection included rare dolls from the 18th and 19th centuries, making it the largest and most valuable collection seen in 25 years. The dolls were sold over two auctions by Special Auction Services, with the first auction selling for £315,000 in February. The second part of the collection sold for £632,500, making it the largest collection of dolls ever handled by the auctioneers.
Some of the top-selling items in the auction included a German bisque shoulder head fashionable doll that fetched £15,000, a rare 1880s Jean Roullet shepherdess with lamb that sold for £13,750, and a French fixed shoulder-head doll with painted eyes that went for £12,750. Additionally, an all-bisque dolls’ house Punch and Judy dolls sold for £2,500, far exceeding their estimate. The collection garnered significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts, with many items selling for well above their expected prices.
Daniel Agnew, a doll and teddy bear expert at Special Auction Services, described the collection as the most important and valuable he has ever handled. He was impressed by the quality and rarity of the dolls, which included a variety of styles and designs spanning several centuries. The collection also featured dolls’ houses, automata, and other unique items that appealed to collectors looking for high-quality and rare pieces.
The collection was kept largely private, with only Austin Smith and Margaret Harkins being able to enjoy its contents. The two collectors dedicated over 75 years to building their collection, which showcased their passion for dolls and the history of doll making. The sale of the collection attracted a wide range of bidders and collectors who recognized the value and significance of the dolls in the auction.
One of the auction highlights was a rare mid-19th-century china shoulder head fashionable doll that sold for £6,875, demonstrating the appeal and value of antique dolls to collectors. The success of the auction reflected the enduring popularity of doll collecting as a hobby and investment, with enthusiasts willing to pay top prices for rare and high-quality items. The sale of the collection marked a significant milestone for doll collectors and highlighted the importance of preserving and appreciating the history of doll making.
Overall, the auction of Austin Smith and Margaret Harkins’ doll collection showcased the passion and dedication of the two collectors who spent decades curating their extensive assortment of antique dolls. The high prices fetched by many of the items in the collection underscored the enduring appeal of doll collecting and the value placed on unique and rare pieces. The sale of the collection marked a historic moment in the world of doll collecting and served as a reminder of the rich history and artistry embodied in each doll.
