American Character Tiny Tears Doll Value Guide

Vintage 13.5" American Character Doll, Jointed in Neck ...
American Character Tiny Tears Doll
Estimated Value
$75 – $90
Period
1950-1960
Origin
United States
Materials
Hard plastic, rubber, fabric

The American Character Tiny Tears doll revolutionized the toy industry in 1950 with its innovative 'drink and wet' mechanism that allowed it to cry real tears. Produced by the American Character Doll Company until 1968, these dolls remain highly collectible for their nostalgic charm and unique mechanical features.

What Is American Character Tiny Tears Doll Worth?

The typical price range for American Character Tiny Tears Doll is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the rubber body, as these materials are prone to hardening or cracking over time.
  • Presence of original accessories such as the feeding bottle, pacifier, or period-correct fabric clothing.
  • Functionality of the crying mechanism and the clarity of the doll's sleep eyes.
  • Rarity of the specific iteration, with early 1950s models often fetching the top value range of $90.

How to Identify American Character Tiny Tears Doll?

  • Check for the American Character Doll Company mark typically located on the back of the neck or torso.
  • Verify the presence of the internal reservoir mechanism designed for feeding water and producing tears.
  • Look for the characteristic hard plastic head and rubber body construction typical of the 1950s era.
  • Confirm the doll features 'sleep eyes' that open and close when the doll is tilted.

History of American Character Tiny Tears Doll

The Tiny Tears doll was first introduced by the American Character Doll Company in 1950. It was a revolutionary doll for its time, featuring a mechanism that allowed children to feed it water from a bottle and then squeeze its tummy to make it 'cry' real tears. This innovative feature made Tiny Tears incredibly popular and a beloved toy for generations, with various iterations produced throughout the 1950s and 60s. The company itself, American Character Doll Company, operated from 1919 to 1968, leaving a legacy of cherished dolls.

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