Ugly.

Really, really ugly.

EXTREMELY ugly.

I haven't made up my mind as to which best describes collectible trolls (as opposed to those of folklore), but they are apparently so ugly that collectors around the world find them "cute" and can't wait to shell out large sums of money to populate their homes with them.

The earliest commercially produced trolls were hand-made in northern Europe in the 1950's, but it wasn't until the 1960's that the bug-eyed dolls with the mohair hair were able to infiltrate American shores - uh, stores. Though the fad petered out in the 70's, of these early invaders, Dam Things Trolls are among the most desired by collectors. Created by Thomas Dam (pronounced DOM) of Denmark, Dam trolls were marketed in a variety of sizes, types, and outfits. Today, Dam Things tailed, two-headed, black, 12-inch+, and animal trolls are among the most difficult to acquire. Prices can range up to several hundred dollars, with pieces that are in excellent condition and in possession of their tags commanding the highest prices.

Apparently, one troll invasion was not enough to prove that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, because they came back with a vengeance in the 1990's when sales purportedly exceeded those of the 60's! And though this second wave, too, eventually subsided, trolls seem here to stay as evinced by the number of Web sites devoted to the subject. Among the more interesting of these are:

Dam Trolls and Troll Information
http://my.execpc.com/~annetom/special.html
History, links, and "troll tips" such as "Keep away from pets as they like to show their affection of trolls by chewing them!"

Goblin King's On-line Guide to Trolls
http://troll.freeservers.com/index.htm
Lots of pictures to help with identification of different types and makers of trolls

Doll Collecting
http://collectdolls.about.com/library/weekly/aa120100a.htm Excellent overview. Explains what to look for when collecting.

Troll Company ApS
http://www.troll-company.dk
Home of Dam Things

The following two books are presently out-of-print, but are considered the best on the subject. If unable to purchase copies, you may be able to find them at your local library.

Collector's Guide to Trolls: Identification & Values, by Pat Peterson
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/089145649X/auctionbytescom

Troll Identification and Price Guide, by Debra Clark http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0875884024/auctionbytescom

Happy Collecting!