A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed Porcelain Doll
The Ashton-Drake Galleries · Collectibles & Antiques > Dolls > Porcelain
Era / Decade
1990s (specifically 1994-1995 based on the Certificate of Authenticity date and copyright)
Material
Fine bisque porcelain head, hands, and feet; cloth stuffed body; cotton/polyester blend clothing; synthetic hair.
Condition
Very Good. The doll appears clean with original outfit and accessories including the COA and artist insert. No visible chips to the porcelain, though the hair shows slight displacement from storage.
Demand Level
Niche. Collectors of Mabel Lucie Attwell or vintage Ashton-Drake dolls constitute a specific but aging demographic. Demand is steady but prices have softened for mass-produced 90s porcelain.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25 - $45
Estimated Retail Value
$60 - $85
Comparable Sales
Recent sales on eBay for Ashton-Drake Attwell series dolls typically range from $20 to $40 plus shipping. Complete sets with COAs tend to sell at the higher end of that range.
Description
Vintage 1994 Ashton-Drake Galleries porcelain doll titled 'A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed' from the Little Words of Wisdom collection. Designed based on the artwork of Mabel Lucie Attwell. This hand-painted doll features a young boy in blue overalls and a white shirt with teardrop details on his cheeks. Includes the original Certificate of Authenticity (numbered I 1653), artist biography insert, and original black and white reference photograph.
Key Features
Includes original paperwork and Certificate of Authenticity; Mabel Lucie Attwell artist association; nostalgic 'Little Words of Wisdom' series; excellent display condition with original clothing.
Authenticity Indicators
Includes official Ashton-Drake Galleries Certificate of Authenticity with a hand-numbered serial (I 1653) and matching artist info card. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Minor stray hairs needing restyling; missing original box and packaging which slightly reduces value for serious collectors; minor dust on fabric components possible.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching national doll collectors), Etsy (due to vintage age), or Facebook Marketplace (to avoid shipping fragile porcelain).
Selling Tips
Highlight 'Mabel Lucie Attwell' and 'COA' in the title. Take high-resolution close-ups of the face to show the porcelain texture and the 'tears.' Mention 'smoke-free home' if applicable as doll collectors are sensitive to odors. Bubble wrap the porcelain limbs individually before shipping.