Buys and dolls: Collection could net $1,000 per item

Nearly 3,000 dolls will be up for auction Sunday in St. Charles as a longtime Downers Grove resident parts with her private collection.

Some of the pieces collected by Mary Voigt over the last several decades are expected to fetch as much as $1,000 apiece, said auctioneer John Prigge of Prigge Auctions in Elgin, who described the lot as "massive."

"Walking into that house just stunned me," Prigge said of laying eyes on Voigt's collection for the first time about six months ago. "I didn't even know where to walk."

Among the most valued dolls are brands such as Madame Alexander, Lenci, Effanbee, Barbie and Ginny. Voigt is parting with them because she recently moved from her four-bedroom house to a LaGrange condominium and no longer has room for them, Prigge said.

Viewing starts at 8:30 a.m. at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. Bidding will begin at 10 a.m. and could last all day, Prigge said. "We'll go until it's over," he said.

There are a total of 2,800 dolls; some will be auctioned individually, while others will be sold in lots. Prigge said he promoted the event at a recent doll show in Willowbrook and the collection "already is creating excitement in Midwest doll circles."

Bidders can pay by cash, check or credit card. Auction photos can be viewed at www.PriggeAuctions.com.

For more information, call (847) 888-3870.

If you go

What: Estate auction of huge doll collection, including Barbie, Madame Alexander, Effanbee and Lenci brands

When: Viewing at 8:30 a.m.; bidding at 10 a.m. Sunday

Where: Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles

Admission: Free

Photos: See item photos at www.PriggeAuctions.com

More info: (847) 888-3870