Marked dolls came into notice with the dawn of wax dolls. The earlier ancestors of these dolls were marked with names of their makers. Later bisque dolls also joined the race and carried signature or initials of their bearer. Some dolls also carried the name of the store, where they were sold. This phenomenon conferred genuineness to various masterpieces and people could easily set apart genuine and fake.
In wake of ever-increasing craze for collecting dolls many new companies are creeping in with their own marks and signs. This has led to duplicating of dolls. To worsen more some dolls even carry fake marks, which can be deceptive. Now you must be wondering that what is the way out?
Well for this we have a simple answer, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Your lethargic attitude may land you in trouble. So, keep your eyes and brains open before spending heftily on a genuine doll. Examine thoroughly the eyes, face, body, clothes etc. On a closer scrutiny you may spot some differences in quality.
Genuine marked dolls have a story or two from the past. Always try to probe into the history of any doll you buy. Who was its previous owner? How long it stayed in that family? Who has made this doll? What are the other creations of that maker? etc.  Some  little endeavors can save you from incurring substantial loss.
Read catalogues or cards mentioning various incidents associated with the doll. This can be the occasion when the doll was gifted or bought. Stories related to civilizations like in Egypt dolls were used to be buried along with the deceased. Some antiques have been discovered from the graves of children. Buy an authentic marked doll, after through research and sheer satisfaction.