Do you collect antique teddy bears?  Why?  What triggers your need to add another antique to your hug?  With all the choices now days (modern artist and manufactured bears, toys, dolls, buttons, books and memorabilia) why do some collectors have such a desire to collect antique bears?

Some older antique bear collectors may have begun collecting before the more recent collecting options were even available.  Before the teddy bear craze began, old Steiffs and other antique bears were still within financial reach of the average collector and reasonably easy to find.  Younger collectors may have inherited family heirlooms which fueled their lust for the older bears or perhaps they are reminded of a long-lost childhood bear. 

While it is always wise to purchase bears for love, not investment, it is true that old and vintage bears tend to retain or increase in value more than newly made artist bears.  But bottom line, the thing that matters most is not a bear's pedigree or price, but that you love him!

According to M. Kinsey, Teddy Bear and Friends, antique bears are not as expensive or hard to find as you might think.  Here are some tips she suggests:  

Where to find them:  The most obvious sources of antique bears are teddy bear shows, antique-bear dealers, and reputable auctions.  If the thrill of the hunt appeals to you or you are a bargain hunger, check antique shows and malls, flea markets, estate sales and garage sales. 

How to identify an old bear:  Many artists now make old-style bears that could be easily mistaken for a genuine antique.  Make sure that the bear you are thinking about buying is, in fact, old.  Smell the bear.  Antiques have a distinctive 'old' smell.  Gently squeeze the tummy.  Truly old bears from the early 1900s were stuffed with excelsior, so they have a crunchy feel when you squeeze them.  Check the joints.  Not only will they be loose, but the mohair might be darker near the joints where the fabric has not faded.  Feel the eyes.  Early eyes were shoebuttons or glass.  Consider getting a professional appraisal if you're still not sure.

What should you pay?  That depends on the condition of the bear, where you buy it, and how much you want it.  Damage lowers the price, while photos or documentation of the original owner usually increases it.  Check on line auctions, price books by the experts, and check the results of live auctions to see what bears of different ages and conditions are worth.  And it's OK to ask the dealer for their best price.

Care and upkeep of antique bears:  Do no mix a newly acquired bear with your current collection when you first take it home.  Make sure it is free of bugs.  Isolate it, place it in the freezer or seal it in a plastic bag with mothballs for 2-3 weeks.  If your bear has a growler or squeaker, use the mothball treatment rather than the freezer.  Clean your new bear gently with a slightly dampened towel and let it air dry.  Always display your bears out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat or moisture.  Periodically vacuum your bears gently to keep them clean and pest-free.  If your bear needs repairs, consult an expert.  Poorly done or unnecessary repairs can decrease the value of your bear.  

Credits:  M. Kinsey, Teddy Bear and Friends, January/February 2007