Drake Porcelain
Andalusia
For many people Andalucia is all that they imagine Spain to be. Wonderful climate, sun, sea and beaches, bullfighting, sherry and flamenco. With respect to more than 33,000 square miles and over the entire length of the south coast of mainland Spain is the largest and most populated of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain. Andalusia is crossed by the Sierra Morena Mountains to the north and the south by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. The fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River lies between these mountain ranges. Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jean, Granada and Almeria, all named after their main cities, the eight provinces included in the region
History – Phoenicians first settled here in the 11th century BC, founding several coastal colonies among them Gadir, now Cadiz. Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th century BC. The Romans expelled the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and they in turn had their rule ended by the Visigoths in the 5th century AD. 711 saw the Moors Street stabbing Gibraltar and establish the center of their western emirate here in Cordoba. The Moorish period was the golden age of Andalusia. Agriculture, leather working, mining, pottery, textiles and trade were all fostered and brought great prosperity. Cordoba, Granada and Seville, embellished by the greatest Moorish monuments in Spain, the Mezquita, the Alcazar and the Alhambra, respectively were celebrated as centers of art, culture and science. It remained under Moorish rule until the 13th century when, with the exception of the Moorish kingdom of Granada, the majority of it was conquered by the kings of Castile, who in turn fell to the Catholic kings in 1492. Andalucia declined along with the rest of the country from the 16th century. Although trade the New World was the ports of Seville and Cadiz to continue to flourish. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1833 Andalusia was divided into the present eight provinces. The region was a stronghold of anarchism in the Spanish republic. However, it fell early to the insurgents in the Spanish Civil War. Recurrent demonstrations against Franco were seen in Andalusia during his dictatorship. It became an autonomous region in 1981and elected its first parliament the following year.
The region has a number of interesting contrasts. The deserts of Almeria in the east are the driest part of the country, while Sierra de Grazalema in the southwest, because they are exposed to winds from the Atlantic Ocean, is the rainiest part of Spain. Both the cities of Cordoba and Seville are notorious for their stifleing heat during the summer months, but the peaks of the Sierra Nevada remain snow capped all year round. And contrast the rugged coastline of the Cabo de Gata or the Atlantic coast of Cadiz, both with their comparatively deserted beaches, with the intensely developed area in the province of Malaga. Yes the beaches are still there – you just can not see for the tourists.
There is still a strong Moorish influence in the character, customs and language of the people. With its tradition of bull fights, flamenco music and dance is one of the most strikingly colorful regions of Europe. With the abundance of Moorish architecture and it is pleasant climate it is easy to see why the growth of tourism has been so strong in recent decades. Agricultural, barren lands contrast with richly fertile regions where cereals, citrus, grapes, olives and sugar cane are produced. Industries, generally based on local agricultural products, including flour milling, oil extraction and wine making. Cattle, bulls for the ring, and fine horses are bred. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician times, include copper, iron, lead and zinc. But despite all this poverty widespread. Agricultural workers are among the poorest countries in Europe and many unemployed have migrated to the industrial centers farther north.
Semana Santa – Easter the most important festival of Andalusia and is celebrated for a full week. It features processions of hooded penitents alongside floats decorated with scenes from the Passion journey the streets of most towns and cities. Accommodation can be difficult to find during the week and booking is advised of the future.
Flamenco is believed to be introduced to Andalucia, today is home in the 15th century by gypsies arriving in the region. It is a combination of music, especially the guitar, singing and dancing and played at parties, in bars and at private parties. Audience participation is highly encouraged.
Almeria – Probably founded by Phoenicians, Almeria flourished from the 13th to the 15th century as the outlet of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. In 1489 it fell to the Christians. Today it's sunny, mild climate attracts many northern Europeans both as tourists and permanent settlers. The capital, also Almeria, is a busy Mediterranean port. It exports large quantities of agricultural products, as well as iron and other minerals mined nearby. The city has refineries, chemical and cement factories, and light industry.
Cadiz – In 1100 BC the Phoenicians founded the port of Gadir, known today as Cadiz, thus become a market for silver and tin. Around 600 years later was taken by the Carthaginians and passed in the 3rd century BC to the Romans. It flourished until the fall of Rome, but suffered from the Visigoths and unlike much of Andalucia declined further under the Moors. The fortifications were built in 1262, after the reconquest by Alfonso X of Castile. After discovery of the New World, Cadiz revived its prosperity, as many ships from America and unloaded their cargo there. Columbus sailed from CÃ ¡diz in 1495, his second trip. Inthe late 16th century both Sir Francis Drake and the earl of Essex led attacks on the fleet anchored there and the city respectively. Then in 1718 a sandbar blocked port of Seville CÃ ¡Diz became the center for the New World trade. The city declined after Spain lost its American colonies. Resisted CÃ ¡diz a two year siege by the French 1810 unti initiated to 181,212, the Duke of Wellington forces relieved. Cadiz fell to the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. Today the town, which lies on the southern side of the bay of Cadiz, promanades has an abundance of parks and squares. It is primarily an export port wines, notably the local sherry which a worldwide reputation and other agricultural products and importing of coal, food and iron. There is a large fish fleet based here and some shipbuilding on a limited scale. On the north side of the bay is the U.S. naval base at Rota.
Cordoba lies beside a loop in the river upstream from Guadalequiver Seville. During the time when the Romans ruled Cordoba was the largest city in Spain and enjoyed great renown in the time of the Moors. They built the Mezquita, the most beuatiful mosque in Spain.
Granada – Originally a Moorish fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the height of Moorish rule this kingdom encompassed both the nieghbouring Malaga and Almeria as well as parts of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a center of art, commerce, industry and science. As the Christians drove south of the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, finally surrendering in 1492. In the 17th century Granada due to the EXI attention to the fact that a large silk center. It stands at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local area is devoted to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada and the commercial center for this. The city is a major tourist center with attractions like the Alhambra Palace and other notable Moorish buildings. Opposite the Alhambra in the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill strewn with gypsy caves. The nearby ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the locality. South of Granada Alpajarras lie the valleys of the north by the Sierra Nevada and the southern sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa, and Gador. The area is very picturesque dotted with the traditional white villages. Fertile soil provides good farming with citrus fruit, bananas and under avacadoes grown food.
It is the capital of Huelva the province of the same name situated on the River Odiel. It is a busy port exporting copper, cork and sulfur. Like most Spanish ports, fishing fleeet as well as oil refining and shipbuilding. It has a limited tourist trade during the summer months. The city is supplied with water through an aqueduct. Columbus planned his voyages at the nearby La Rabida monastery. The Coto de Doñana National Park, Europe's most important and largest wildlife sanctuary lies in the delta of the River Guadalquivir. 60,000 acres have been fenced to provide the perfect habitat for varied speices of wildlife, birds in particular.
Jaen was once the seat of a small Moorish kingdom and played an important role in the conquest of Granada from the Moors by Christian forces during the 15th century. During the Napoleonic War in the early 1800 the French won a major victory here. Today the commercial hub for a fertile area agricutural production of olive oil and wine. Europe's richest lead mines are nearby, and copper and iron are also mined. The city Alcalá la Real is known mineral resources. The Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, over 2,000 square kilometers, is the largest protected in Spain. Here you can see mountain goats, red and fallow deer and wild boar.
The city of Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians and passed through the hands of the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and the Moors when it flourished as a major seaport for the kingdom. It finally fell to the Christian forces in 1487 Málaga is situated on the bay of Malaga and is an important port. Products are exported to the local wine, almonds, dried fruit, olives and iron ore. The beaches, luxurious vegetation and mild climate make it one of the world's largest tourism destinations. Picasso was born here and you will be a museum of his works can be found.
Seville was important in Phoenician times and favored by the Romans. Secondary as the main city of southern Spain under the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became a leading center for culture and commerce. After a protracted siege was captured taken by the Christians in 1248. Approximately 300,000 Moors are reputed to have fled the city following the capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the new colonies. In 1718 a sandbar in the harbor closed to shipping and Seville went into a steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. During the civil war Seville was held by nationalists. Today Seville is both capital of the province and the region of Andalusia. Standing on the Guadalquivir River, which connects it to the Atlantic Ocean, has returned to a port of the paper accessible to seagoing ships. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wines. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinary, perfume, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and tobacco are all manufactured locally. The is an important cultural and tourist center. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world's largest cathedrals occupies the site of a former mosque. Giralda tower and the court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. You will also find the remains of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish craftsmen stands beside the cathedral and is replaced only by Granada Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as a leading center of bullfighting in Spain.
More information on Spain you visit the Spanish Guide
About the Author
Ken Jones runs the two websites. A Spanish Travel Guide which includes a commercial directory wth extensive listings for hotels, hostals and pensions, property for rent and sale.And a Sailing Site which features a global marine directory with listings for yacht charter, sailing schools, marine surveyors, boat insurance and marine electronics.
I have a complete set of porcelain dolls from Ashton Drake Disney Babies. Everyone knows what they would be worth?
Ashton Drake Disney Baby collection. China heads and hands, still in boxes, do not miss anything. I paid about $ 82 per original Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto
in new mint condition they can go to 4 times the original price .. depends on the buyer i would guess
Marlena Evans – Porcelain Heart
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ASHTON DRAKE PORCELAIN LIFELIKE NEWBORN BABY JESUS WOOD MANGER LMT EDITION DOLL $299.99 |
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Precious Moments Ashton Drake Nativity Porcelain Dolls Set $299.00 |
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“All I wish for you ” Ashley- Drake $280.00 |
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The Ashton -Drake Galleries Diana Princess of Wales Collectors Porcelain Doll $250.00 |
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Ashton-Drake Linda Webb So Truly Real Limited-Edition Silicone Emily Baby Doll $221.98 |
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Cindy McClure DOTY Ashton-Drake Porcelain Bride Doll $221.98 |
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IN STOCK Catherine Bride 18″ Doll Kate Middelton Porcelain Ashton Drake $199.99 |
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1821 NWOB ASHTON DRAKE Beautiful Bridal Porcelain Doll #A8290 Blonde Blue Eyed $209.99 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “CINDERELLA BRIDE” PORCELAIN DOLL NEW RARE NIB $189.99 |
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ASTON DRAKE Kate Middleton Engagement Porcelain Doll With 2ND Portrait DRESS $179.99 |
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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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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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1261 NWOT ASHTON DRAKE WINTER ROMANCE Porcelain Bride Doll SANDRA BILOTTO Series $175.00 |
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Ashton-Drake Porcelain African-American Bride Doll $166.98 |
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Cindy McClure Ashton Drake Porcelain “Fire” Fairy Doll $166.98 |
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Ashton drake Catherine Bride 18″ Doll Kate Middleton Commemorative Porcelain $149.99 |
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Ashton Drake Fire Bride Porcelain 22″ Wedding Doll NIB $166.98 |
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ASHTON DRAKE “HEIRLOOM BABY” Porcelain Doll 21″, 1997, $150.00 |
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Ashton Drake Cinderella 17″ Tall Porcelain Doll $149.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GALLERIES “ALYSSA” 1st ISSUE BEATRIX POTTER PORCELAIN BABY DOLLS $149.99 |
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Mu Thee by Catharina Surjadi 32″ tall & 14″ tall Ashton Drake Gallery HSN $159.99 |
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Ashton Drake Porcelain Amish Dolls $140.00 |
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Ashton–Drake Galleries ‘Let’s Play Patty – Cake, Pooh’ Porcelain Doll & Pooh NEW $109.70 |
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ASHTON DRAKE DOLL FRESH FROM THE PATCH PORCELAIN COA $149.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE PEGGY SUE YEARBOOK PORCELAIN DOLL 1991 CE $149.00 |
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Jesus Christ Poseable Porcelain Figure: In Remembrance Of Me By Ashton-Drake $144.98 |
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Ashton-Drake Clean As A Whistle All Porcelain Doll W/Tub NIB $135.99 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “SUMMER SWEETNESS”PORCELAIN DOLL NEW $110.00 |
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THE ASHTON – DRAKE GALLERIES “SPRING PROMISE” PORCELAIN DOLL NEW $110.00 |
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NRFB- GORGEOUS ASHTON DRAKE “WEDDING OF SHINING WATERS”AMERICAN INDIAN PORCELAIN $79.99 |
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Ashton Drake Camellia Bride Doll Porcelain Doll Language of Wedding Flowers $127.91 |
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Ashton Drake Galleries Indian Porcelain Doll The Legend of The Apache Teardrop $100.00 |
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Ashton Drake Galleries Indian Porcelain Doll Raven Wing’s Night Of Passion w/Box $100.00 |
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Ashton Drake Rapunzel Porcelain Doll by Brigitte Deval $55.00 |
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1995 ASHTON DRAKE BABY DOLL PORCELAIN & BEANBAG BODY $99.94 |
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FULL-SIZED ~ Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll~Sarah ~14″~Retired 1988~ #76115 $95.00 |
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Ashton Drake Winnie the Pooh Says I’m Beary Clean Porcelain Doll NEW IN BOX $99.99 |
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Ashton Drake “Wings of Destiny” Porcelain Indian Doll $99.99 |
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ASHTON DRAKE KNOWLES 18″ SOUTHERN BELLE PORCELAIN DOLL $99.99 |
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THREE ASHTON DRAKE BABY DOLLS AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATES PORCELAIN HEAD H FEET $99.99 |
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24″ Real Infant Size Heirloom Baby Girl Doll by Ashton Drake 1997 NIB(Porcelain) $99.00 |
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Porcelain Child Doll: Grandma’s Love Is Like A Warm Puppy By Ashton-Drake $110.98 |
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Ashton Drake Porcelain Baby Doll Handpainted Artist Sig $109.95 |
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Ashton-Drake “Andrew” Porcelain Doll NIB $109.95 |
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ASHTON DRAKE COVENT GARDEN PORCELAIN DOLL 1998 COLLECTORS EDITION NEW IN BOX $109.00 |
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REDUCED Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll Sarah ~ FULL SIZED 14″~captures the heart $95.00 |
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Porcelain Doll Ashton Drake Fresh from the Patch MIB $92.00 |
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Ashton Drake Galleries Indian Porcelain Doll The Wedding of Raven Wing w/Box $80.00 |
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NIB, ASHTON DRAKE ‘LITTLE SHERLOCK’ PORCELAIN DOLL!! $88.88 |
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Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll KELLY Don’t I Look Pretty Caught in the Act 1993 $87.99 |
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Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll TODD Playtime babies collection Yolanda Bello 1992 $87.99 |
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Ashton-Drake Little Bo Peep Porcelain Doll Wendy Lawton Nursery Rhyme Collection $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Galleries Porcelain Doll Indian Girl w/Basket, Dove Raven Wing? $75.00 |
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ASHTON-DRAKE PORCELAIN PEGGY-SUE YEARBOOK MEMORIES DOLL $100.00 |
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Ashton Drake Jesus Christ Let the Children Come to Me Porcelain Collectors Doll $100.00 |
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“Peaches and Cream” Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll 15” COA #319170 1994 NEW $99.99 |
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VTG HTF~RARE~ASHTON DRAKE PORCELAIN DISNEY BABIES SET 3~IN BASKET~MICKEY BABY ET $99.99 |
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Whitney New COA Ashton Drake Galleries porcelain doll african american box black $99.50 |
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Vintage 1995 ANGEL & 2 CHILDREN Ashton Drake 3 PORCELAIN DOLLS “Under her wings” $99.00 |
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ESTELLE Ashton Drake porcelain Victorian doll with hoop (NRFB) $94.99 |
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NEW Ashton Drake Galleries Rosa Porcelain Doll NIB $74.99 |
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Ashton Drake Boo Bear 1991-2839C-Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Goldilocks -420A- Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Mary Mary Quite Contrary 1990-1679R- Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Little Miss Muffet 1989- 654D- Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Mary Had A Little Lamb Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Little Boy Blue 9185FB Porcelain Doll !! $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake McDonald’s and Me, porcelain doll set, very nice condition $70.00 |
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RET Ashton-Drake “Fire’s Out” Porcelain Doll Boys Will Be Boys Collection w/ COA $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Someone to Watch Over Me, 6 Porcelain Dolls Kathy Barry-Hippensteel $89.99 |
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Ashton Drake LITTLE DEVIL DOLL Empty Nest Collection TITUS TOMESCU MINT $75.00 |
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Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll: “BETTY 1930s WEDDING DRESS” from This Day Forward $79.95 |
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NIB “Spanky” First Issue Little Rascals Porcelain Portrait Figure Ashton-Drake $87.30 |
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Ashton-Drake “McDonald’s Express” Porcelain Doll $73.99 |
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Porcelain Doll Ashton Drake I’m a Little Devil 1995 MIB $71.99 |
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Porcelain Girl Doll AShton Drake Ginny 1997 MIB $71.99 |
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FULL-SIZED~Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll~Sarah ~14″~Retired 1988~ #76115PERFECT $85.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE PORCELAIN DOLL DISNEY WORLD GIRL $69.99 |
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Ashton-Drake Days of the Week “Friday & Saturday’s Child” Porcelain Dolls Bundle $70.99 |
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Sunshine & Lollipops, Ashton Drake Galleries Porcelain Doll $68.00 |
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ASHTONE DRAKE BABY BOY PORCELAIN DOLL WITH BLANKET $66.45 |
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ASHTONE DRAKE BABY GIRL PORCELAIN DOLL WITH BLANKET BY TITUS TOMESCU $66.45 |
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“SHELLEY” Cindy’s Playhouse Pals Porcelain Doll from The Ashton-drake Galleries $75.00 |
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1993 Ashton-Drake Oh Holy Night- The Holy Family porcelain $79.99 |
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Stunning Porcelain Doll 1993 Wendy Lawton Little Women Jo Ashton Drake Still Box $78.50 |
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Ashton Drake McMemories McDonald’s Porcelain Doll 1996 Sharing A Good TIme RARE! $75.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE ASLEEP IN THE SADDLE PORCELAIN DOLL AND WOOD HORSE $75.00 |
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NEW LOW PRICE BNIB ASHTON DRAKE PORCELAIN DOLL “CHERRY” W/COA (A $150 + VALUE) $62.99 |
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WINTER ROMANCE PORCELAIN BRIDE DOLL ASHTON DRAKE $74.80 |
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Mary Mary Quite Contrary Ashton Drake Porcelain Doll Fine Condition NIB $59.00 |
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PORCELAIN ANGEL-I WISH YOU LOVE – JULIE GOOD-KRUGER – ASHTON DRAKE-1ST IN SERIES $59.95 |
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PORCELAIN ANGEL- LITTLE TEARDROP – CINDY MCCLURE- ASHTON DRAKE-1ST IN SERIES $59.95 |
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“MEAGAN” Porcelain Doll from The Ashton-drake Galleries * Knowles Doll $65.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE ALLY DOLL PORCELAIN 14″ NIB 93441 $57.79 |
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Ashton Drake”Little Russian Girl” Porcelain Doll $60.00 |
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Winter Romance Porcelain Bride Doll by Sandra Bilotto – Ashton Drake $60.00 |
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“You Need a Hug, Pooh”, porcelain dolls, The Ashton-Drake Galleries, Disney $50.00 |
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Porcelain Doll from The Ashton-drake Galleries “Deirdre $69.99 |
