Doll Ashton
Ashton Drake Marketplace
27 years ago, my shop was one of the first shops to get onboard when the Bradford Exchange decided to open a “Dealer Division” in Canada. I am sure there was no one who had looked in a magazine in 1980, and not seen “Matthew”. People who had never owned a doll, or even considered owning a doll, were falling in love with the idea of doll collecting as well as falling in love with Matthew. Yes there were dolls before Matthew, but in my mind, he was the one that really blew the doll market wide open.
These new collectors, then wanted to complete the earlier dolls in the set, and prices on the premier issue “Jason” went crazy. I remember people paying up to $2500. to have the first issue in the Picture Perfect Babies Collection, Jason, and hundreds to obtain Heather and Jennifer as well.
So where did it all go wrong? Today’s market on these and other older Ashton Drake Dolls, is so soft I would not dream of selling.
It is my opinion that Ashton Drake Galleries simply made too many dolls. From their original 2-3 different series back in the early days, to having so many different sets of dolls it was nearly impossible for collectors to know what doll belonged in what series.
I heard over and over as sales dwindled that there is “only so much room in my house for dolls”.
Many other collectors had entered the marketplace to simply purchase dolls as an investment, and as the market continued to be flooded with new dolls and new series of dolls, these collectors changed their buying habits. These dolls have never been displayed, and have been carefully stored for the past 20 years. Add their numbers to those sold to private collectors and you will begin to see the larger picture.
For myself as a dealer, the final blow came when I received an informal letter in the mail, saying my sales were no longer high enough to qualify for dealer status, and I would not be able to purchase dolls for resale in the future. This was the quality of customer service given to a retailer of their product for over 20 years and having sold hundreds of their dolls over the years and generating thousands of dollars in revenue for them. For a company struggling to maintain a collector base, this business decision by the Dealer Division alienated a large portion of their small retailer foundation.
Now you have collectors tiring of the product and upset because their “investment” did not work out, and you also have your retailers upset over being treated so poorly.
I have many lovely dolls in my own collection. I am a Diana Effner fan, but have others as well. I am not planning to sell, so their retail value is of little importance to me, but I certainly would call this the end of an era for a once flourishing company.
I hope that in the future these dolls will once again be recognized as the quality collectible that they are, and once again be sought after and treasured.
About the Author
For more useful information on doll collecting, visit http://www.eloradollhouse.com . Jayne Cremasco has been a doll retailer and appraiser for over 25 years and now offers a wealth of information online.
What are some websites that has collectible dolls similar to Ashton Drake’s dolls?
Ebay would be the obvious answer. Try searching seymour mann or franklin mint as names to narrow your search. Hamilton collection makes a few at about the same price point as Ashton-Drake, however, I’m unsure of their web address. I think they may be part of the same sight as Ashton-Drake…collectiblestoday.com. FranklinMint.com has some lovely pieces, but they’re far more expensive. Also try DanburyMint.com, they don’t specialize in dolls, but they do offer a few!
How to take care of your reborn and/or Ashton Drake doll PART 1 ~ requested by MyDollBabies0388
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Precious Moments Bridal Doll Set “Love Forever True” by Ashton-Drake Collection $1,000.00 |
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5 LARGE (32″) VINYL DOLLS FROM WALTRAUD HANL FOR ASHTON DRAKE- PERFECT CONDITION $899.99 |
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Precious Moments Blessings Baby Doll Set by Ashton-Drake Collection – Set of 4 $800.00 |
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Bon Bon Gene NRFB 2003 RARE VHTF by Ashton Drake NEW $699.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE LINDA WEBB EMMA RARE HARD TO FIND NEWBORN SIZE MINT LONG SOLD OUT $575.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE LINDA WEBB EMMA RARE HARD TO FIND NEWBORN SIZE MINT LONG SOLD OUT $575.00 |
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REBORN LIFELIKE BABY DOLL ASHTON DRAKE RARE LAURA LEE WAMBACH FREE SHIP W/BIN $550.00 |
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ASHTON-DRAKE “BRIANNA”" SO TRULY REAL COLLECTIBLE DOLL. ARTIST SANDY FABER HTF $500.00 |
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Ashton Drake YOLANDAS PICTURE PERFECT Jason 60259 $411.95 |
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NEW BLYTHE DOLL ASHTON DRAKE ADG 1st VHTF nrfb SO RARE ORIGINAL SHIPPER BNIB $369.99 |
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Ashton Drake Disney Snow White and Seven Dwarfs Collection Lot of 8 Dolls NRFB $350.00 |
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RARE ASHTON DRAKE GALLERIES ISABELLE DOLL MIB $349.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE PORCELAIN LIFELIKE NEWBORN BABY JESUS WOOD MANGER LMT EDITION DOLL $299.99 |
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Ashton Drake Precious Moment Bride & Groom – MINT $300.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GENE PRICELESS DOLL FAO SCHWARTZ $299.00 |
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Precious Moments Ashton Drake Nativity Porcelain Dolls Set $299.00 |
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Ashton Drake PREMIERE Gene Doll SIGNED BY MEL ODOM NRFB w SHIPPER BOX $299.99 |
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Ashton Drake Gene Priceless Doll Mel Odom NRFB $299.99 |
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TABATHA tabitha BEWITCHED baby ASHTON DRAKE old REPRODUCTION witch old stock? DO $296.65 |
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BRAND NEW IN BOX ASHTON DRAKE GENE DOLL “PRICELESS” MINT CONDITION $289.99 |
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The Ashton -Drake Galleries Diana Princess of Wales Collectors Porcelain Doll $250.00 |
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BRAND NEW IN BOX ASHTON DRAKE GENE DOLL “I DO” MINT CONDITION $279.99 |
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Ashton Drake Riding the Silver Moon Signature Doll $277.98 |
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SALE! ASHTON DRAKE REBORN WALTRAUD HANL HUSH LITTLE BABY PRISTINE CONDITION $249.00 |
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Fit For A Queen Gene Ashton Drake Doll NRFB $250.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE BLYTHE DOLL. N.R.F.B. $249.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE BLYTHE DOLL. N.R.F.B. $249.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE BLYTHE DOLL. N.R.F.B. $249.99 |
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Ashton-Drake The Holy Family by Julie Good-Kruger MIB $249.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE PRINCESS OF WALES MINT $250.00 |
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Michelle Fagan Ashton-Drake Silicone Lifelike Baby Doll $229.99 |
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RARE NIB Ashton Drake Mel Odom GENE I DO $254.15 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GENE PRICELESS DOLL FAO SCHWARTZ $239.00 |
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FAO Schwarz Ashton Drake Mel Odom GENE Warmest Wishes W/shipper RETIRED $239.00 |
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FAO Schwarz Ashton Drake Mel Odom GENE Warmest Wishes $233.75 |
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Ashton Drake LITTLE HOUSE ON PRAIRIE Baby Grace 3641423 $229.95 |
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ASHTON DRAKE FIRST KISS 1992 MIB COLLECTORS EDITION $229.00 |
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Baby Doll Benny The LIVING Doll Ashton Drake So Truly Real Kicks Baby Noises $210.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE MY LITTLE BLESSING CHRISTENING DOLL $200.00 |
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Brigit Gutzwiller Ashton-Drake Silicone Girl Baby Doll $221.98 |
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Hannah And Harper: Collectible Child Doll And Plush Teddy Bear By Ashton-Drake $221.98 |
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Ashton Drake Baby Jesus: Birth of A Savior Baby Doll $221.98 |
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32-Inch Tall Collectible Girl Doll: Sprinkled In Pixie Dust Doll By Ashton-Drake $221.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Signature-Edition Faith And Hope Child Doll: 3′ High, 1 in 1,000 $221.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Linda Webb So Truly Real Limited-Edition Silicone Emily Baby Doll $221.98 |
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My Little Blessing Christening Baby Doll Of So Truly Reborn By Ashton-Drake $221.98 |
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The Wonder Of Christmas Santa And Baby Jesus Doll Set By Ashton-Drake $221.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Mei Mei: 22″ Lifelike Asian Baby Doll in Edition Limit of 2,500 $221.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Peaches and Cream Lifelike Baby Girl Doll By Ashton-Drake $221.98 |
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Ashton Drake The Sparkling Radiance Hindu Bride Doll $221.98 |
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Ashton Drake Gene Butterfly Shadow 25th Anniversary 16″ Vinyl Doll $221.98 |
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ASHTON DRAKE/WALTRAUD HANL 30 INCH VINYL “O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL” NIB W/COA $199.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE “DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES” DOLL W/COA MIB $199.99 |
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♥~♥AsHToN DrAkE “FoReVeR RoSe EmiLy” BaBy♥~♥ $199.99 |
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♥~♥AsHToN DrAkE “ALL DoLLeD Up” BaBy♥~♥ $199.99 |
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IN STOCK Catherine Bride 18″ Doll Kate Middelton Porcelain Ashton Drake $199.99 |
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RARE FACTORY SEALED Ashton Drake Winnie the Pooh’s Midday Meal RETIRED $199.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES DOLL NRFB/MINT $199.99 |
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1821 NWOB ASHTON DRAKE Beautiful Bridal Porcelain Doll #A8290 Blonde Blue Eyed $209.99 |
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Ashton Drake Galleries “HOLLY” exclusive annual Holiday Doll by Titus Tomescu $209.95 |
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Ashton Drake Dolls Lot Slip Slidin/Beneath Mistletoe/Follow Leader/Snowbaby $199.00 |
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Blythe Doll Ashton Drake Blythe Kozy Kape Nude $189.99 |
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Princess Diana in “Royal Portrait”~Ashton Drake~NIB~COA $179.00 |
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Princess Diana Visionary of Style~Ashton Drake~NIB~COA $179.00 |
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Princess Diana Emissary of Compassion~Ashton Drake~COA $179.00 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “CHERI” WAITING IN THE WINGS DOLL COLLECTION NIB $189.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE OLIVIA GENTLE TOUCH VINYL BABY DOLL IN ORIG BOX W CERTIFICATE $184.99 |
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Ashton Drake Princess Tiana Bayou Wedding Dress 12″ Articulated Jointed Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Princess Tiana Blue Gown 12″ Articulated Jointed Vinyl Girl Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Disney Cinderella Poseable Doll with Removable “Glass” Slippers $200.98 |
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Disney Snow White 16-Inch Ball-Jointed Fashion Doll By Ashton-Drake $200.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Elvis-Inspired Hound Dog Baby Doll: Comes With a Musical Plush Dog $200.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Linda Webb’s Sweet Dreams Emily Breathing Movement Baby Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Linda Webb All Dolled Up Baby Emily Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Piper: Classic Heirloom Style Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Elvis Presley “Don’t Be Cruel” Doll, FREE Musical Teddy Bear Plush $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock Baby Doll $200.98 |
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Ivy Lifelike Little Girl Christmas Holiday Doll With Accessories By Ashton-Drake $200.98 |
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Linda Webb Reborn Forever Rose Emily Ashton-Drake Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Delphine Vampire Articulated Ball Jointed 16″ Vinyl Doll $200.98 |
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Ashton Drake Elvis Presley Don’t Be Cruel 20″ Resin Cheryl Hill Baby Girl Doll $200.98 |
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NEW in box Ashton Drake “Meagan” Doll 76181 RARE! $200.00 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “CINDERELLA BRIDE” PORCELAIN DOLL NEW RARE NIB $189.99 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “THE GARDEN OF PRAYER BRIDE” NIB RARE $189.99 |
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Ashton Drake Wizard of Oz 5pc Mini Doll Set Dorothy Glinda Tin Man Figurine MIB $199.99 |
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Ashton-Drake My Little Blessing So Truly Real 21″ Vinyl & Cloth Doll $199.95 |
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ASHTON DRAKE – SO TRULY REAL VINYL – “MEI MEI” BY PING LAU – 03-01447-001 $199.95 |
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REBORN DOLL LINDA WEBB ASHTON DRAKE CHARLIE $199.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE -MARIE OSMOND TINY TOT REMBER ME DOLL $169.00 |
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Princess Diana Porcelain Doll Ashton Drake $180.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GALLERIES KNOWLES COLLECTIBLE PORCELAIN DOLL LITTLE SHERLOCK NIB $195.00 |
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RARE Ashton Drake Jesus Doll Water into Wine MIB $180.00 |
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RARE Ashton Drake Jesus Doll I Am The Good Shepherd MIB $180.00 |
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GENE as *RED VENUS* ASHTON DRAKE GALLERIES `95 RETIRED $179.99 |
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1264 NWOB 1998 ASHTON DRAKE MONIQUE Porcelain Bride Doll CINDY McCLURE Retired $179.99 |
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1260 NWOT ASHTON DRAKE SPRING PROMISE Porcelain Bride Doll SANDRA BILOTTO 1996 $179.99 |
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♥~♥~AsHToN DrAkE “LiTtLe LaMb” BrEaThInG BaBy NIB~♥~♥ $169.99 |
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♥~♥~AsHToN DrAkE “BaBu” ToDdLeR OrAnGuTaN NIB~♥~♥ $169.99 |
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♥~♥~AsHToN DrAkE “MoLLiE” ToDdLeR OrAnGuTaN NIB~♥~♥ $169.99 |
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Winter Romance by Sandra Bilotto She walks in Beauty collection, Ashton- Drake $189.00 |
