For Antique Dolls, the Search Is Serious

Brigitte Nohrudi, fascinated with antique dolls, sells their original clothes and accessories, from tiny leather shoes to French lace hats.

But those things aren’t always easy to find.

That’s what brought the 56-year-old Buena Park dealer and collector this week to the 48th convention of the United Federation of Doll Clubs Inc. at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers.

“You have to look for [antique things], and hunting for them is fun,” she said.

The convention opens to the public today for one day only, with a doll sales show room featuring antique, modern and original artist dolls, accessories, books and other items. More than 100 dealers are offering everything from Barbies to Kewpie and antique French dolls.

Serious doll collectors are on the hunt.

Irma Newman of Peoria, Ill., is searching for a Paris Bebe, a rare French doll from the late 1800s.

“I might have to pay $6,000,” Newman said. “They’re tough to come by. There were a limited number made.”

Patricia Gosh, president of the nonprofit organization that includes 800 doll collectors clubs with more than 15,000 members worldwide, said that opening the salesroom to the public is an opportunity to promote doll collecting and membership.

“We have an appeal to every kind of collector,” Gosh said.

About 1,500 club members are attending the convention, participating in workshops and seminars ranging from doll wig making to club parliamentary procedures. About 1,000 dolls, some hundreds of years old, also are entered in competitions.

The salesroom is open to the public from noon to 7 p.m. and is restricted to adults and children 12 and older. A $10 donation is requested. Information: (816) 891-7040.