Beginning your Antique Bear Collection

Collecting antique and vintage teddy bears is a very enjoyable and popular hobby. Teddy Bears have a special appeal that takes us back to childhood days and early memories and the nostalgia and sentiments of a time gone by. However beyond the emotion appeal, a Bear collection is an investment and some knowledge is required so that you can invest prudently. There are lots of sources of information available on the subject of toy collecting for the novice and the experienced collector alike, and much is available freely online. ...contined below

eBay's Most Watched

OLD VINTAGE ANTIQUE FARNELL 'PIP' (SQUEAK & WILFRED) DOG (TEDDY BEAR) C 1925 eBay Watchers: 124 Price: $194.6676

Antique Steiff Style Artist Teddy Bear by Craig Bottiger eBay Watchers: 64 Price: $255.0

An Adorable Antique 16" Golden Mohair Teddy Of British Origin In Original Outfit eBay Watchers: 60 Price: $106.376424

Charming Old, Growling, Jointed Teddy Bear 26" eBay Watchers: 49 Price: $45.5271

Antique Mohair Cat and Kitten with googly eyes, c. 1920 eBay Watchers: 44 Price: $105.1833

A Rare & Precious Antique 11" Schuco Yes/No Mohair Baby Orangutan NO RESERVE eBay Watchers: 44 Price: $97.3338

Many antique and vintage Bear collectors eventually focus on a particular make and era of bear, such as Vintage Steiff bears, or Schuco Yes-No Bears for example. If you are new to bear collecting then its a good idea to look at what others are collectiing at places such as online auctions sites, note the condition and level of interest and closing prices for items that appeal to you. and when its time for you to begin your collection, decide on our budget and then then aim for the best condition items that fit within your budget.

Values of toys are driven not only by the condition and rarity of the item but by demand. Book values of bears refer to near mint items, so consider them as a guideline only. Before you bid at an online auction be aware that values can fluctuate quite and bit over time so it a good idea to start off by watching bears that appeal to you on ebay and checking the closing prices for the completed auctions.

Following is a sample of Antique and Vintage Bears from eBay:

theantiquebearcollector.com

	2002 12" Funshine Bear and Wish Bear Care Bears	-	$8.00	30m
	Jim Shore WOODSY WELCOME LODGE SNOWMAN WITH PINE CONE	-	$33.95	30m
	MUFFY - OUT OF IT IN AFRICA	-	$45.00	30m
	Build A Bear Bulldog	-	$9.00	31m
	Godiva 2008 Teddy Bear With Red and White Striped Hat Made By Gund 46582	1	$16.99	31m
	SMALL RUSS CHRISTMAS BEAR MOVEABLE ARMS LEGS +2ND BEAR	-	$5.00	31m
	White Plush Valentine's Sweater Bear (Used)	-	$8.49	32m
	Cute & RARE Bearanimal Giraffe, cuddly fur, moving limbs, only in a display case	5	$5.00	32m
	FELICIA FUZZBUNS BOYDS BEARS 12 " PLUSH CAT WHITE FUR RED VELVET OUTFIT NWT	-	$24.99	32m
	Faith 19" Floppy Angel Teddy Bear by MJC Pink REDUCED	-	$15.00	32m
	Cherished Teddies Dad You're Due For A Hug! #ic7 672	-	$9.99 $12.00	33m
	Jennifer Murphy Rabbit	-	$125.00 $150.00	33m
	Set of 2 Mini Porcelain Pink and Blue Clown Bears	-	$2.59	33m
	Pier 1 One Stuffed Blue Denim Bear Red Corduroy Plush	-	$19.99	33m
	Boyds PIN Angelique JOY ANGEL FREE SHIPPING	-	$5.85	33m
	Steiff Jumbo the Elephant 1450 12	6	$21.77	34m
	Plush Pals Light Pink Easter Bunny with Attached Carrot	-	$3.88	35m
	Deb Canham QUEEN of the FIELD MICE, OZ Coll. Mohair 2+"	-	$65.00	35m
	BUILD A BEAR FACTORY KING PENGUIN USA EXCLUSIVE BNWT	-	$59.64	35m
	CARE BEAR LOVE A LOT HEARTS	-	$10.00 $12.00	36m
	Care Bear Play Phone - Cute - Pretend Play!!!	2	$2.24	36m
	Hayes Plush Valentine's Love Heart Bear (Used)	-	$1.69	36m
	Boyd's Bears - Bailey & Friends	-	$24.99	36m
	BOYDS BEARS Hope Angelbless ornament CHRISTMAS 4014676	-	$13.98	36m
	Matthew H and Bailey Bear	-	$5.00	36m
	SMALL VINTAGE STEIFF BLACK BEAR	-	$29.99	37m
	BOYDS BEARS Peace Angelbless ornament CHRISTMAS 4014677	-	$13.98	37m
	BOYDS classic VALENTINA w EVALINA~ CATERINA~MICHELINA	-	$115.00	37m
	Bear Mail Rubber Stamp	-	$5.95	37m
	BUILD A BEAR FACTORY MINI CHIMPANZEE USA EXCL BNWT	-	$12.54	38m
	Boyds PIN Charity Cherish Children ANGEL w BABY Free Sh	-	$6.00	40m
	Hallmark Ice Skating Bears	-	$4.00	40m
	Cherished Teddies Jenelle A Friend Is Some Bunny To Cherish Forever	-	$24.38	40m
	Gund Plush Teddy Bear Tommy Tummy 2270 NWT	-	$17.59	40m
	BUILD A BEAR FACTORY USA PEACE & SMILES BEAR BNWT	-	$39.23	40m
	NASCAR "Drive Fast - Turn Left" 9" Boyds Teddy Bear NWT	-	$9.99	41m