Paper Dolls

Q My sister and I have a first edition of ”Paper Dolls and How to Make Them, A Book for Little Girls” by Anson D.F. Randolph. It says ”Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1856.” The book has plates of dolls and doll clothes in color and black and white. We’d like to know how to go about selling it.

A The first paper dolls were made in France in the 1700s. The first paper dolls made in the United States were printed in 1854 and were sold in boxed sets. Your book was the first American paper doll book. This book has been offered for sale online for over $700. You can try contacting a used book store to see what they will offer or contact one of the online booksellers that deals in old books. If you don’t have access to a computer, your local library reference department may be able to help you. We checked retail prices at bookstores. One wanted $750, another $695. Condition is very important when setting a price.