The Teddy Patch Blog 2008-05-17T07:58:43Z http://theteddypatchblog.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Auction Tips and Other Ramblings tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-05-04:dec44333-42d9-4144-a2b5-43547488c624 Luralee Wheatley 2008-05-04T16:54:49Z 2008-05-04T16:22:00Z
You might have the coolest item for sale but how you present it can make a real difference!

First of all, a good photo is worth a thousand words.  Your pictures can make or break your auction.  Be sure to always include good, clear pictures! 

Take your pictures in natural light if possible - avoid direct sun.  Teddy bears always look their very best when photographed outdoors.  If you must rely on indoor light, make sure there is enough light that you can take your photos without a flash.  The glare from the flash "flattens" out the look of the mohair and washes out the actual color of the fur.  Also, make sure there are no obvious shadows in the picture.  Be careful to focus your shot so that your pictures are crisp and clear.

Adding more pictures also makes a difference.  Since extra pictures are free with your Teddy Patch listings, why not take advantage and upload lots of pictures from different angles?

Keep photo size no larger than 150K.  Sizing photos  can be done with any digital imaging software.  If you don't have a good program, do a Google search for "resizing photos" and you'll come up with lots of hits including dozens of free software packages designed to resize your photos; some of them will even do the resizing for you on line.  A good rule of thumb to keep your pictures under 150K at 72 pixels per inch resolution.  In pixels, this is about 200 x 250 pixels, in inches it is about 3 x 3 inches.

Use your Artist Studio/Store (it is free!) or About Me Page to detail general information about your shipping methods or other information not directly related to your auction item.

Create an effective sales policy. Clarify your payment terms, shipping method and costs, and clearly describe your return policy.

Let your title 'sell' the potential bidder. Use compelling words to get bidders' attention.

And last but not least, describe your item carefully. Use descriptive and compelling words to tout the merits of your item.

]]> Professional Appraisals at Steiffbear.com tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-05-03:d3f0f1b3-e083-46a6-95bd-220b6d4d11e7 Luralee Wheatley 2008-05-03T16:01:08Z 2008-05-03T15:33:00Z (Paid Announcement)

One of our sponsors, Steiffbear.com, wants you to know about their Professional Steiff Appraisal Service

Are you looking for a quick, simple appraisal for resale or insurance purposes for your Steiff?  Or do you have a bear that you can't identify and think it may be a Steiff?  The folks at Steiffbear.com can provide you with identification of your bear and a professional appraisal.  They have over 20 years expertise as dedicated Steiff collectors and wholesale dealers and have been doing appraisals as a sideline for many years.  They have the expertise to provide you with a professional, accurate appraisal.  Steiffbear.com offers appraisals for both individual items and complete Steiff collections. Let the experts at Steiffbear.com help you! 

Steiffbear.com will never offer to purchase an item for which they provide an appraisal and they charge only a flat fee up-front regardless of the value of the bear.  An informal appraisal from Steiffbear.com will give you basic information about your item and an estimate range of fair market value and replacement price. An appraisal of this type costs just $19.95 plus $4.60 for priority postage. A second item can be added for $8.95 with no additional postage charge.  They accept most major credit cards on their secure website at www.steiffbear.com.

Steiffbear.com also offers many rare and vintage Steiff teddy bears and animals for sale to the discriminating collector. They carry new release Steiff bears, Club bears, vintage and antique Steiff animals, and other fine Steiff collectibles.  If you are a Steiff lover, why not visit them today?

Steiffbear.com is not responsible for profits or losses involving the sale or disposal of the item appraised.
]]> Regular Care Tips for Your Bears tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-05-03:d162056c-100d-45ed-8298-37e199ccdb7a Luralee Wheatley 2008-05-03T15:22:55Z 2008-05-03T15:05:00Z Regular Care Tips for Your Bears

Antique and Vintage Bears

When you first bring home that special new antique or vintage bear, don't immediately mix him in with your current collection.  Inspect him first and make sure he is free of bugs.  Mohair tends to attract larvae from carpet beetles and moths which feed on the wool fibers.  Larvae from beetles may attack wood-wool/excelsior stuffing and even animal fleas can make a cozy home in the mohair.  Check the fur carefully by parting the fiber and check for larvae castings (small oval, paper-like casings).  Check the joint crevices carefully and around his ears where they join the head.  An early sign of moth infestation is often tiny holes in the paw or foot pads.  If your new bear shows any signs of infestation, place him in a plastic bag and put him in the freezer for 4-7 days or seal him in a plastic bag with mothballs for 2-3 weeks.  However, if your bear has a working growler or squeaker, do not put him in the freezer - use the mothball method instead.  If your new bear is of the mechanical variety, seek the advice of a specialist before treating him by either method.  When your bear emerges from his treatment, brush him gently to remove any debris and introduce him to the rest of your hug.

If your bear needs cleaning, carefully wipe him with a slightly dampened towel; let him air dry then give him a gentle brush with a soft brush such as a toothbrush.  Be careful not to dampen or touch his paw or foot pads as the moisture may stain them.  Never, immerse jointed bears in water (antique or otherwise) - the water will cause the wooden joints to fall apart.

If your bear is damaged and needs repairs, consult an expert.  Poorly done or unnecessary repairs can decrease the value of your bear.   Please take your bear to a reputable, skilled restorer who specializes in restoring vintage and antique bears. 

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.  When vacuuming, use a low power setting with a piece of old pantyhose or gauze over the end of the nozzle.  Be careful not to damage claw stitching and be careful to keep clear of eyes, buttons and labels.

Modern Bears of Synthetic Fiber

In 1955, synthetic fiber and machine-washable, unjointed teddy bears were introduced.  Because these bears were made of synthetic fur and stuffing and had plastic eyes, they could be washed and dried.  Steiff produces many items now that are also washable.  However, pay close attention to care labels on these types of bears because not all synthetic bears can be washed as some materials react badly to water.  Oftentimes the labels will indicate 'surface wash only.'  If the bear is truly washable (not just surface washable), you can immerse him in warm water with either a mild baby shampoo or a woolen detergent such as Woolite.  Gently remove any stains with a soft brush and carefully rinse.  Pat him dry in a soft towel and hang him to dry in a bag such as one used for delicate items - don't clip the bear directly to a line to dry by any part of his body.  When completely dry, brush the bear with a teasel brush to separate any matted plush fibers.

Never send your bear to the dry cleaners - the chemicals used are harmful.  Never put him in the washing machine unless his label clearly says he will survive such an ordeal.  And never store your bear in a plastic bag as moisture may build up and cause mold or discolor the fur.

]]> Are You Feeling the Pinch? tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-03-30:3572eee6-46c2-4f88-96e4-fdfe7c62b542 Luralee Wheatley 2008-04-03T17:44:23Z 2008-03-30T13:43:00Z Hello, fellow Archtophiles!  I have a question for you!  Are you feeling the pinch?  How is the U.S. economic downturn affecting your habit?  Whether you are a bear artist or a collector or both, you are most probably affected in one way or another.  Are you feeling the pinch?  How are you "feeding" your habit?  We would like to know!  Maybe you don't have as much to invest in your business or to feed your collecting habit.  Maybe you just need to "cut back" a little bit for awhile until things calm down. 

Those of you who are bear artists know the addictive drive that pushes you to create that "perfect" bear.  This addiction is bad enough if you're only creating bears.  Couple that with the double whammy of also being a collector and then the addiction becomes overwhelming.  Withdrawal is always painful ...

There are so many new artists on the scene and the competition between them is incredible. As a result, teddy bear art has matured to a level where there has been an amazing evolution in style, quality, and presentation.  This is all wonderful and great for the hobby, but when financial times get tight - what happens to all the creativity?  Do you just bottle it all up and hope it will go away, or are you still creating bears at a feverish pace?  Has the price of mohair and the lack of collectors caused you to reduce your production or even stop it altogether? 

As collectors, what is happening?  Are you still collecting at the same pace as you were?  Are you scaling back on your purchases, perhaps buying less expensive bears or postponing that purchase all together?

Are you in panic mode and trying to sell your collections?  I've heard from many artists and collectors who are doing just that and selling out their collections entirely.  Is this the norm, or the exception?  If you're selling out (or trying to) what venue are you using?  Bear shows, on line auctions, classified ads?

If you are a collector or dealer, this is a great time to pick up some very fine pieces at bargain prices.  Just like the stock market advice - always buy low and sell high.  Some of you I see are doing just the opposite - buying high and selling low!  Perhaps it is time to "hold tight" and not give away those precious collections too quickly.

Part of the problem perhaps is combined with the fact that some of our collectors have become bear artists and shifted their focus.  Perhaps the remainder have so many options and artists to choose from that there just aren't enough collectors to go around.  And then there's the economy going South.  As artists, are you lowering your prices to attract more collectors?  Which is it?  Maybe it's a little bit of everything combined.

We want to know what you think!  Tell us how you are managing!  How have you changed your habits? 


]]> Hermann Teddy Bears tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-02-24:6c06101c-8ce8-4374-83f2-2f42817e9ffc Humphrey B Bear 2008-02-24T18:37:29Z 2008-02-24T18:12:00Z most favorite are Steiff and Teddy-Hermann Bears.  I'll talk about my Steiff cousins in another article - today it's Teddy-Hermann.

These bears date back to 1907.  Johann Hermann began making teddy bears in Sonneberg/Thuringen with help from some of his family members.  Actually Bernhard, Johann's oldest son, founded the Teddy-Hermann Company in 1912 and located it in Hirschaid.  Bernhard moved his business to Sonneberg soon after, but Sonneberg became a part of Soviet-occupied Germany after WWII, so Bernard Hermann and his family relocated the business back in Hirschaid.  Once they moved back to Hirschaid, the business was renamed Teddy-Pluschspielwaren-fabrik Gebr. Hermann KG.

The early Hermann Bears had short mohair and a shaved muzzle.  Other characteristics included large round ears set on the side of the yead, a horizontally-stitched black nose, y-shaped inverted mouth, upturned paws and black claw stitches on the paws.  Early trademarks of Teddy-Hermann Bears include the inscription "BE HA Quality German."  This wording changed in 1930 to "Marke Beha Teddy Burgt fur Qualitat."  Gebr Hermann used green-and-gold paper swing tags from 1952 until the 1970s, when they began using red plastic and red-and-gold paper tags.  The words "Hermann Teddy Original" continues to be printed on each circular tag. 

Teddy-Hermann evolved during the 1980.  Previously, they focused on children's toys and collectibles and during the 1980s they began to focus on the adult collectible market.  Their Model 63 collectible bear replicates a classic Gebr Hermann teddy bear.  Special editions and replicas follow this model including Bernhard Bear.  Black Forest Bear, Standing Bear Luftikus, Arnold the Athlete, and Golden Jubilee Bear were produced beginning in 2002.

So, fellow architophiles, that about covers it for Teddy-Hermann Bears.  Thanks for tuning in.  I'll be typing to you again soon - maybe we can talk about some more of my furry cousins. 

May you always have honey!

]]> New Teddy Patch Software Upgrade tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-02-15:dbe7c823-2bd9-45da-a9fc-10bdfdae7496 Luralee Wheatley 2008-02-24T18:10:44Z 2008-02-15T19:21:00Z We have instituted a new software upgrade at The Teddy Patch.  This upgrade has been good in that it fixed a myriad of problems including many syntax errors that our users have been experiencing.  There is still some work to do to bring it back up totally.  The members area has a slightly different look with much improved functionality.  New features have been added including a new RRSS Feed and a Bulk Lister. 

The new RRSS feed makes Teddy Patch auction information is available through Rich Site Summary (RSS) alerts or feeds, which allow you to see auction summaries without having to check The Teddy Patch daily for updates.
With RSS, you can see Teddy Patch auctions right on your desktop by installing the free RSS reader.  Most RSS readers will check for updates once every hour.  Usually, a small alert pop-up will appear on your desktop for a few seconds if there is something new.  After you've installed your RSS reader, you can keep tabs on oursite and other websites or blogs you visit by adding their RSS feeds to your reader.

The Teddy Patch RRSS will feed you regular updates on the latest auctions and your favorite sellers. The RRSS button is located on the left side of the front page towards the bottom and is self-explanatory and easy to use.

Our new Bulk Lister allows members to list similar items in batches.  The button to download this feature if you choose to use it is located on the members page.  
]]> Top 5 Ways to Ruin Your Teddy Bears tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-02-03:f8b108ff-4aeb-4278-89a3-187dd72d4c16 Luralee Wheatley 2008-02-03T18:54:33Z 2008-02-03T18:20:00Z

Here are the 5 top ways to ruin your teddy bears:

1.  Leave Your Bears on Display and Never Dust Them!

We all love to decorate with our teddy bears and it's so tempting to place them all over the house.  It's perfectly fine to leave them out on display, but if you let them just sit and gather dust, you will be sorry.  Dust will dull and damage the mohair and any costuming your bears are wearing and can, over time, ruin the value of your bears.  If you do display them outside of closed cabinets, be sure to dust them regularly.

2.  Display Your Bears in a Bright, Sunny Window

What's even worse than leaving them out to collect dust is to display your teddy bears in a nice, sunny window.  Nothing can be more damaging to teddy's fur than bright light.  Not just bright sunlight either, bright incandescent and florescent light is also harmful.  It will definitely fade the mohair color and any costuming and over time will eventually damage the fabric underneath.  This is a definite NO!

3.  Store Your Bears in an Attic or Basement

Once you begin collecting lots of bears (and we all do eventually), storage space becomes a problem.  Or, perhaps you have become the proud owner of an antique or vintage collection through an inheritance.  Don't be tempted to stick them away in a nice dark corner of your basement or attic.  Unless it is a temperature controlled area, these types of storage places tend to experience extremes of hot or cold and this can quickly cause serious havoc with the condition of your bears.

4.  Keep Your Teddy Bears in Plastic Containers

Keeping your bears in plastic containers can definitely protect them from dust, pests and other hazards.  But it causes another problem.  Air tight plastic can hold moisture, which creates mold or mildew over time.  Mold and mildew is impossible to remove and it causes terrible odor problems with mohair which is difficult if not impossible to remove.  A bad smelling bear, even if in otherwise perfect condition, will reduce its value significantly.

5.  Let Your Dog Play With Your Bears or Let Your Cat Eat the Mohair.

I have some personal experience with this one and had to learn the hard way.  Cats absolutely love mohair - I don't know why.  My cats are attracted to it like catnip!  One of my favorite cats took a liking to one of my beautiful, very large and expensive Steiff bears.  This bear was too large to fit in my cabinets, so he was proudly sitting in the middle of my guestroom bed.  I didn't notice the damage at first, but apparently she kept working at him and when I finally realized what was happening, the Steiff was ruined!  When I tell this story, everyone asks if I still have the cat?  Of course!  I love cats too!  And when it came right down to it, I knew I loved her more than I loved the Steiff.  But I learned a very difficult and expensive lesson!  If you have dogs, be careful too.  Dogs have been known to think teddy is a new squeaky chew toy and they especially like to chew on those suede or ultra-suede foot pads.  If you have pets, display your bears in separate rooms where your pets don't have access or in enclosed cabinets where they are protected.

    

 


]]> Big Changes at The Teddy Patch tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2008-01-20:fb342e30-ee9e-404f-95f7-d8ea840a739e Luralee Wheatley 2008-01-26T16:37:06Z 2008-01-20T17:03:00Z We've made big changes for sellers at The Teddy Patch.

There is plenty of bad news in the world today...

  • A U. S. recession appears imminent and prices of everything are rising. 
  • Unemployment is increasing.
  • The United State is at war.
  • The consequence of higher oil prices automatically translates into high prices for consumer goods.
  • U.S. Postal Service shipping costs went up 4-8% for 2008.
  • Our planet is threatened by global warming.
  • The collectibles secondary market has gone soft
    • Collectors are scaling back their purchases and attendance at shows is down
    • Artists are doing what they can to cut costs

Its time for some good news.  We know as artists and sellers, you are doing your best to cut operating and sales expenses.  This is what we're doing to help:

  • The Teddy Patch has eliminated all listing fees!
  • List all your items with absolutely no financial risk!
  • If your items don't sell, you don't pay!
  • We will only charge a nominal final fee for any items that sell.
  • Stores and advertising prices have also been drastically reduced!

Why are we making these changes?  Shouldn't we be raising our prices in response to everything else?

Yes, perhaps we should, but we feel the artists and sellers out there need a financial break for a change and we want to be at the front line of the effort!  So, effective immediately, all Teddy Patch listings are absolutely free!   
The idea that one must often "go in the hole" to sell one's wares has go to stop!

Prices are going high enough everywhere else...and it stops right here at The Teddy Patch!  Listing options are also free; add extra pictures, highlight your auctions, use special features such as buy-now...at no charge...zero, zip, Nada!   A nominal final fee will be charged for any items that sell.  Please see our Site Fees page for all the particulars.

We hope you will join us soon and see what a difference FREE can make!

]]> Sticker Shock tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-11-23:2b8ab028-12ca-4ec0-9c4c-a12b209d4e88 Luralee Wheatley 2008-01-06T18:23:03Z 2007-11-23T10:34:00Z I'm in shock.  Sticker shock.  eBay sticker shock.  Let me tell you why...
 
I have not personally used eBay for quite some time.  When you own your own auction site, it doesn't make much sense to use the competitor's service.  However, The Teddy Patch is a specialized auction site which focuses on collectibles, teddy bear, dolls, vintage toys and the like.  We don't accept listings for tools, mechanical or electrical equipment, motorcycles, cars or that kind of stuff. 

Anyway, to make a long story short - my husband asked me to list some electrical equipment for him on eBay that he wants to sell.  So I logged in to eBay and was immediately overcome with how complicated and overwhelming it had become since I was last there.  A few years ago as I recall, it seemed much simpler.  Anyway, I listed his stuff - some of the items with a reserve, and I didn't add any extras or include more than one extra picture per listing.  Guess what??  The bill (before any final value fee) was $16.40!!  You've got to be kidding me! $16.40?  For what?  I'm speechless!!

To make matters worse, the items didn't sell.  Now it hurts even worse to pay that $16.40.

So, just as a comparison, I took the same listings and priced what it would cost if I listed them at The Teddy Patch - the total bill came to $1.60!  I couldn't get the charge to come up to $16.40 even by applying a final-value fee to each item!  Granted, eBay is such a household name that the exposure is much greater than at the little guys' auction sites such as The Teddy Patch.  And, yes, The Teddy Patch doesn't specialize in anything other than collectibles, but there are other small sites out there that do.  The average joe trying to make a few dollars by cleaning out their closets or thinning their collections must being losing their shirts listing on eBay!  Unless sales are tremendous, I can see how you can end up owing them plenty of cash and not making enough to pay the fees! 

I firmly believe if folks would tear themselves away from the hype, they'd find that the other auction sites out there can be just as effective - for lots less money! 

The Teddy Patch is just one of those small, struggling auction sites that can offer unmatched value and a constantly growing customer base.  Why pay high fees when you can run more auctions for less? 

Why not list an item or two at The Teddy Patch and just give it a try.  You're not out much ... our basic listing fees are now just 10 cents per item.  Plus we offer lots of extras to enhance your listings for just a few pennies extra if you choose to use them.  You only pay a small final-value fee if your items sell.  Plus, you get free, worldwide advertising, free membership, no hassle, and less exposure to fraud.

What have you got to lose?



]]> 10 Secrets of Success tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-11-06:7a3a88ae-b543-4a71-8cd5-c13cc72cf9de Luralee Wheatley 2007-11-06T19:34:09Z 2007-11-06T19:19:00Z

I ran across this list in Investors Business Daily a while ago and wanted to pass it on.  It seems leaders and successful people in all walks of life have most of these traits and, when combined, these traits can turn dreams into reality.  Whether you're a banker, baker, candlestick maker, an artist or an entrepreneur, these same qualities are an essential part of the recipe for success.  

1.      How you think is everything.  Always be positive.  Think success, not failure.  Beware of a negative environment.

2.      Decide upon your true dreams and goals.  Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3.      Take action.  Goals are nothing without action.   Don’t be afraid to get started.  Just do it.

4.      Never stop learning.  Go back to school or read books.  Get training and acquire skills.

5.      Be persistent and work hard.  Success is a marathon, not a sprint.  Never give up.

6.      Learn to analyze details.  Get all the facts, all the input.  Learn from your mistakes.

7.      Focus your time and money.  Don’t let other people or things distract you.

8.      Don’t be afraid to innovate, be different.  Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9.      Deal and communicate with people effectively.  No person is an island.  Learn to understand and motivate others.

10.     Be honest and dependable, take responsibility.  Otherwise, numbers 1-9 won’t matter.

]]> My Genealogy, Part 2, The First Teddy Bear Craze tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-11-05:bec61f60-4ef2-4ac1-a74c-b6e22adec908 Humphrey B Bear 2007-11-05T19:47:17Z 2007-11-05T19:46:00Z Hello again, friends and fellow arctophiles! Humphrey B. Bear here, back to fill you with Part 2 of my genealogy.  You will recall in Part 1, we talked about how it all started in 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a hunting expedition in Mississippi and refused to shoot a bear that had been cornered for him to kill.  This prompted Clifford K. Berryman to make a cartoon which appeared in the Washington Post and prompted the series of events that sparked the teddy bear craze.  

The years 1905 to 1909 marked the height of the first teddy bear craze and coincided with President Roosevelt's second term in office.  Several American companies were formed to compete with Steiff during this period including American Doll and Toy Manufacturing and Miller Manufacturing.  Many companies produced novelty bears such as the electric-eye and cork filled teddy bears.  The electric-eye bear was a pretty interesting fellow - he had bulbs in his eyes that lighted up when his tummy was squeezed (he looked a little creepy, but I'm sure he was a sweet little guy ... after all, aren't all teddy bears sweet?)  Many early teddy manufacturing companies made an appearance during this period, but were all short lived.

British bear making industry made a strong showing during World War I when J.K. Farnell and United Toy Manufacturing Company began production.  Prior to the War, German companies were producing six times more teddies than Great Britain.  Dean's Rag Book Company, Johnson Brothers of Birmingham and several other companies were founded in Great Britain and began producing uniformed mascot bears which were popular during the War.  France and Australia also began developing their teddy bear industries with Australia producing a jointed bear which was patented in 1916.

Well, that's enough for this week.  I just love history, don't you?  Tune in next time for more interesting facts about my ancestors.  I may even be able to drum up some pictures of my early relatives for you to see.

Until next time, big furry hugs to you all - may you always have honey!


Humphrey B. Bear, TBIC

]]> My Genealogy, Part 3, Novelty and Character Bears and All Those Wars tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-11-04:d9a4867d-23b1-4709-961b-cd9ccc57b19c Humphrey B Bear 2007-11-05T20:06:35Z 2007-11-04T18:27:00Z
Hello, fellow arctophiles!  I'm back!  Remember me?  My owners have given me literary license to contribute to their Blog and, while I started out with good intentions, I admit I've fallen down on the job!  I've been away for awhile - busy doing promotionals and shows for the boss as she promotes her awesome auction site.  What a busy time it's been these past few months.  Alright, I admit it!!  Maybe I did play just a little bit ...
  
But I did want to spend a few minutes to tell you about some of my famous ancestors, the novelty and character bears and how all that came about.  When William Taft became president in 1909, several new mascots tried unsuccessfully to overthrow Teddy's Bear.  One was Billy Possum, a reference to Taft's love of possum and taters (yuk!).  Another early bear design was apparently conceived as a boys' bear-doll, which was ideal for dressing up.  Beginning in 1907, teddies in masculine costume began to appear, influenced by seymor Eaton's poems about the Roosevelt Bears. 

World War I greatly affected teddy bear production after 1913 - and that's another story I'll save for a whole, entire article!

By the 1920s and 30s, mass-produced teddy bears, with rod-jointed, straight bodies and limbs became popular.  Novelty items were also introduced including Schuco's famous Yes/No bears and Swiss squeeze-type musical bears.  Tipped mohair plush became fashionable, as did clown bears with ruffs and pierrot's hats.  Bears were also made based on contemporary literary characters, including Rupert, Winnie the Pooh, and Mary Plain. 

Interesting factoid:  The Winnie the Pooh Farnell bear bought in Harrods for Christopher Robin Milne became a household name in 1921.

World War again!  This time it was WW II, which again had a dramatic effect on the teddy bear industry.  Again, another article all of its own.  Whew!  Hope there's not a #3 coming ...

That's enough for one sitting - I've got a photo shoot to primp for ...

Until next time, big furry hugs to you all - may you always have honey!


Humphrey B. Bear, TBIC



]]> Congratulations Sue Pendleton! tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-10-22:1c632f94-6c86-4407-bfe1-648d91414450 Luralee Wheatley 2007-10-22T18:33:53Z 2007-10-22T18:17:00Z Have you seen the December issue of Teddy Bear Review?  Bluebeary Treasures by Sue Pendleton is featured on the front cover with a great full article about her and her wonderful bears.  Way to go, Sue! 

We spotted and fell in love with Sue's bears about a year ago and were pleased to run a feature article on her at The Teddy Patch.  Click here to see Sue's Artist Spotlight at The Teddy Patch.

]]> Dances With(out) Bears tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-10-07:61e1242b-efd6-4496-9e60-a3ee23f921f9 Luralee Wheatley 2007-10-22T18:17:43Z 2007-10-07T18:55:00Z Bear Dancing - Did You Know??

In Asia, bears are taken from the wild and made to perform tricks for entertainment.  The World Society for the Protection of Animals wants governments to enforce stricter laws and has set up rescue centers for these bears in six countries.

After a lifetime of brutal treatment, including walking on burning embers, Bulgaria's last three dancing bears will get to rest their paws at a mountain sanctuary.  This apparent end to the centuries-old performance tradition in the Balkans happened in June when activists bought the freedom of Mima, 8, Misho, 19, and Svetla, 17.

Bulgaria is believed to have been the last country in the Balkans where dancing bears still performed, even though the practice was outlawed in 1993, when there were 20 to 30 such bears in the country.

The three bears will join another 20 brown bears at a 30-acre sanctuary for former dancing bears.  The Austria-based Four Paws Foundation created the sanctuary.  Because dancing bears are illegal, authorities could simply have taken the three bears away from their owners in the eastern village of Getsovo. Instead the Four Paws Foundation decided to pay for the bears' freedom by giving their owners small grants to set up new businesses.  In return, the owners signed declarations pledging never to take up the bear dancing business again.

Credits:  Best Friends Magazine, Sep/Oct 2007
]]> Premium Teds tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-09-17:8c34f360-f402-4b3a-a301-774db4156ca8 Luralee Wheatley 2007-09-18T18:54:36Z 2007-09-17T18:38:00Z In a time when auctions routinely realize five and six-digit prices for fine examples of antique bears, it is hard to imagine what just a few cents could afford during the early years of teddies.  In 1907, Delineator Magazine advertised a promotion offering a free 12-inch jointed teddy bear as a premium for achieving six completed sales of printed pillow tops ...at 25 cents each.  The follow year, the purchase of three new yearly subscriptions to The Housekeeper at 60 cents each garnered a free 10-inch bear in a choice of brown or white fur.  Often it was simply the cost of postage or the purchase of an affordable item and a brand new, mohair bear would be the free prize.  The advertisers that offered these toys were rarely in the business of selling teddy bears, but quickly realized the interest of its customers in this new toy.  What company could deny the power of the teddy bear in merchandising and promotional campaigns?

As the 1920's arrived, advertisements readily offered bears directly to the public through catalogs such as Montgomery Ward and Sears, where it was possible to buy a 19-inch, ride-on, growling plush bear-on-wheels for the delivered price of $5.98!  Of course if preferred, an entire dozen of Schuco Flask Bears or Monkeys could be purchased for only $4.75!

A scan of some of these fantastic sales ads is included below:









Credits:  Pamela Wooley, Teddy Bear Review, 2002]]> 1907 - Teddy Bears are All the Rage tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-09-17:715eebf3-a1ed-4b28-90ad-0e238e05dfc9 Luralee Wheatley 2007-09-18T19:07:35Z 2007-09-17T18:36:00Z




Credits:  Teddy Bear Review 2002]]> How to Tell the Age of a Steiff Bear tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-09-04:43e53995-4e31-484c-adf1-714d2017e571 Luralee Wheatley 2007-09-04T19:07:50Z 2007-09-04T18:51:00Z Ever wondered how to tell the age of a Steiff teddy bear?  The answer is - by style.  The style changes were subtle for bears produced by Steiff between 1904 and 1945.  After World War II, the pattern was changed and the Steiff teddy bear became very different from the earlier versions.

Silhouettes of several Steiff teddy bears emphasize the differences in styles during the years of change.  These variations are a great help in dating the range of Steiff teddy bears.

The silhouettes included here will help with identification and are explained as follows:

1.  1904 bear.  This bear is rod constructed, has extremely long arms, short legs, and a fairly flat head.  The body is very hard. 
2.  1905-1907 bear.  The arms are slightly shorter, but there is a sharper curve at the wrist.  The back is more shapely with a definite hump.  Even the feet are larger and more defined.  The head is still relatively flat.  The body of this bear is more ample and softer stuffed. 
3.  1908-1913 bear.  This is the definitive Steiff teddy bear.  His head is very well shaped and his snout is long.  The body is well shaped, ample, and has a large hump.  His arms are long and curved at the wrist.  The large feet are set at right angles to the shapely leg.  The narrow ankle is an important characteristic of all Steiff teddy bears.  The tumbler growler was introduced in 1908.  Teddy bears with this growler have much firmer bodies.  All three of these early bears have shoe-button eyes. 
4.  1920's bear.  The arms on this bear are long, but not quite as curved.  The snout is a little shorter and the eyes are of glass. 
5.  1930's bear.  This bear has shorter arms, feet and snout.  His back is fairly straight without the emphasis on a hump.  The head is smaller in comparison to the body.  6.  1950's bear.  This is an entirely different pattern with short, straight arms, short feet and a shorter snout on a less defined head.  The eyes are now glass.




Credits:  Barbara Lauver]]> Investing in Teddy Bears tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-09-02:fc068486-961a-4018-a9f1-9ef9ec1e9570 Luralee Wheatley 2007-09-02T13:24:42Z 2007-09-02T12:06:00Z If you're wondering how to price your bears if you're thinking about selling them, or if you are just curious about the value of your collection - we've got some tips that might be helpful to you.  Perhaps you wouldn't dream of parting with any of your bears and are just wondering what they're worth or looking to estimate their value for insurance purposes.   

While it never makes good financial sense to purchase bears for investment alone, some people are putting money into collectibles as a form of investing for the future.  It is quite likely that you can make money buying old bears - in the long term.  There are several reasons for this, principally that of availability.  There is a finite supply of antique bears available, particularly in good condition.  As the prices for the best and earliest examples rise beyond the average collector, newer bears or replicas become desirable.  

True antique bears are defined as anything from the very earliest bears up to bears produced before World War II.  A professional appraisal of these type of bears is a must to determine their true value.  You might also want to canvas professional auction houses both on line and local to search for comparison bears or types of bears which will help to determine appropriate value.  Keep in mind, that condition will dramatically affect the value of antique bears.  Always buy a bear that is in the best condition you can afford; a bear in good condition will always be worth more than one that is in poor condition.  Small areas of wear or a tiny hole in the paw will not severely affect the value of an antique bear.  However, bugs, dirt, or missing body parts can have a serious affect.  If your bear needs repair he will probably be worth only a quarter to one-half of the price the same bear in top condition.  And just because it is old doesn't mean your bear is worth a high price.  If it is in very poor condition or is just plain ugly, it is unlikely to be worth much.

Vintage and newer manufactured bears are valued much differently in the current market, which is quite sluggish.  Since there are such a vast number of modern manufactured bears produced, the market value will never be what it has been for antique bears.  These bears, even if well cared for, may not retain their original purchase value.  If you are trying to sell them, there are many price guides available which will give you a general idea of their current value.  You can also browse internet market sites or auctions to get an idea of what similar items are selling for.  If you are anxious to sell some your bears, you may have to let them go for a reduced price.  It is definitely a buyers market these days.

The market for artist bears created after the 1970s is somewhat more positive.  Collecting artist bears is a highly personal thing.  Secondary market values are rarely a factor when choosing an artist bear to buy.  If the artist is well known and has maintained popularity with collectors, you can expect your bears are worth at least the original purchase price.  If the bear was made by a lesser known artist, the value will depreciate from the original purchase price.  And since artist bears are really a form of contemporary art, future values are impossible to assess. 

What that said, a bear purchased and added to your collection with the intent that it will increase in value is not a good idea.  Always buy a bear because you love it!  There is an emotional quotient involved in the purchase of an artist bear which reflects both the collector's personal tastes and the skill of the artist.  Like the art lover who buys a contemporary painting to hand on his wall, it may accrue in value in the future or it may not.  The true (and immeasurable) value of a teddy bear is the pure pleasure it has given you by just owning it. 

]]> Smart Auction Selling Tips tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-08-21:b5392c49-c13f-47f5-90fe-ad8711dd2862 Luralee Wheatley 2007-08-21T19:39:50Z 2007-08-21T19:06:00Z People choose to sell teddy bears at auction on the internet for many reasons.  A dealer or artist may want to expand his/her sales prospects and gain greater internet exposure.  Someone may have inherited a collection they wish to liquidate or a collector could simply want to downsize their collection.  Selling at an internet auction has the potential of reaching prospective buyers all around the globe.

In order to effectively sell on the internet, it is important that you accurately describe the bear you are trying to sell.  Unlike buyers at a show, the cyberspace shopper does not have the privilege of examining the bear in person.  Your description can make or break the possibility of a sale.  It is important to outline a complete description of the bear including size, trim or costume, materials used in the bear as well as a mentioning all flaws, including even minor ones.  If you're not sure about something, better to error on the side of caution rather than leave something out.  Be as specific as possible in your description of the bear.  Also list any specific marking on the bear such as signatures, tags or other marks even if you don't know what they mean. 

Good pictures are an absolute must.  The best sales tool in any auction listing is the photograph(s) you include.  If you plan to sell on a regular basis, invest in a good digital camera.  Be sure to set your bear in front of a plain background.  Poster board or construction paper in a complimentary color is a good idea.  Stay away from background clutter that could distract from your bear.  Good lighting is also a must, outdoor lighting works great as long as your bear is not in direct sunlight.  This usually works best because then you don't have many of the issues caused by using a flash indoors such as unwanted shadows and a washed out look to your pictures.  Present numerous pictures in your listing to show the bear from all angles.  Take close-ups of special features and any damage or repairs.  When you list your auctions at The Teddy Patch - (and we hope you will!) please take note that each individual photograph must be no larger than 150K in size.  If you receive an error message and your photos will not load, please check your photo size as this is most likely the problem.

How should you price your bear?  You can list him with no reserve, using a starting price that is acceptable to you if the bear is sold.  With no reserve, it could possibly sell with a minimum of one bid. We recommend starting with a low minimum bid and then setting a reserve price to protect your investment.  In this case, the bear will not be sold unless the reserve price is met.  If you do use a reserve, be realistic - keep in mind that a large percentage of merchandise sold in internet auctions typically sell for less than so-called book value.  It pays to do some research before you start listing so you know what similar bears are bringing at auction so that you don't price your listings so high that they won't sell at all.

For those of you who are eBay veterans, you know that internet auctions have perils you need to guard against (we've written a whole article on the subject of internet fraud in this Blog you might want to reference).  If you are not a veteran, and are just getting started there are plenty of resources out there for you including the great information in this blog.  While there are dangers; the options that have opened up the world for buying and selling and reaching collectors and other artists as never before are worth the small risk.  With a little caution and some common sense, internet auctions are an exciting way to add new sales, meet new friends and share this wonderful hobby!

Credits:  Terry & Doris Michaud 2005



]]> What is a Teddy Bear? tag:theteddypatchblog.com,2007-08-21:281c73fd-a848-4279-bc0f-be30bc395952 Luralee Wheatley 2007-08-21T19:04:43Z 2007-08-21T19:04:00Z "An experienced Teddy Bear brings with him a lifetime of knowledge and experience; the wisdom of silence and the stillness in moments of great turmoil. The long-suffering patience that is learned when belonging to a child who is coming of age, and coping with the bewilderment that this period of time can bring, is what he does best. The experienced bear has seen life through the heart and eyes of a child grown to adulthood and perhaps even accompanied that adult all the way to the end of the road."
-Ted Menton

"In a world where everyone seems to be larger and louder than yourself, it is very comforting to have a small, quiet companion."
-Peter Gray

"Age simply doesn't enter into it! The older the friend, the more he is valued, particularly when he shows so visibly the characteristics that we all look for in friends. You have only to look at a genuine teddy's face to see at once the loyalty, common sense, and above all, dependability behind it."
-Peter Bull

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