Teddy bears are endearing toys which have been around for generations. People who collect antique teddy bears are sure to find what they are looking for either online, or at an antique fair or dealer. When buying these charming toys, it's helpful to know how to find a genuine product for one's money and also how to properly care for them.
The look and construction of the bear says a lot about its age. Early teddies were fashioned more to look like the real animals. Older toys often have a hump between the shoulders, longer, curved limbs with large feet and wider hips, and a longer snout. The eyes were also usually made of glass or boot buttons rather than plastic as well. Early toys were often made of mohair and stuffed with wood shavings or later kapok or wool, and may show a hand-stitched seam on the body.
There are helpful reference guides available to collectors which list all features to note when looking for collectible teddies. Some manufacturers and eras have signature characteristics which set them apart. These guides sometimes also list expected prices, but these are often high-end figures and it is usually possible to find them for a lower price.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
Collectors will find a huge selection of teddies available on the internet. It's necessary to be aware that many "fake" antique bears are on the market and being passed off as genuine and priced as such. These imposters may resemble the true antiques in features, but are usually plush instead of mohair and come in more colors, often with fur made to look worn out on purpose.
Another type of bear to avoid are those which are new but made in an old-fashioned style, the manufacturers are not try to pass them off as anything else, however sometimes dishonest dealers may attempt to make them look as though they are antiques and price them accordingly. Some collectors advise checking for an "aged" smell, but this is not always useful as the dealer may have cleaned the toy removing any scent.
It is best to handle these toys by their torsos rather than their limbs, as this may cause damage to the delicate joints. Since they are prized collector's items, they must also be kept away from children and pets. Limiting contact with hands is best, as the oils present in skin can cause deterioration the bear's fur.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using a clean brush.
The look and construction of the bear says a lot about its age. Early teddies were fashioned more to look like the real animals. Older toys often have a hump between the shoulders, longer, curved limbs with large feet and wider hips, and a longer snout. The eyes were also usually made of glass or boot buttons rather than plastic as well. Early toys were often made of mohair and stuffed with wood shavings or later kapok or wool, and may show a hand-stitched seam on the body.
There are helpful reference guides available to collectors which list all features to note when looking for collectible teddies. Some manufacturers and eras have signature characteristics which set them apart. These guides sometimes also list expected prices, but these are often high-end figures and it is usually possible to find them for a lower price.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
Collectors will find a huge selection of teddies available on the internet. It's necessary to be aware that many "fake" antique bears are on the market and being passed off as genuine and priced as such. These imposters may resemble the true antiques in features, but are usually plush instead of mohair and come in more colors, often with fur made to look worn out on purpose.
Another type of bear to avoid are those which are new but made in an old-fashioned style, the manufacturers are not try to pass them off as anything else, however sometimes dishonest dealers may attempt to make them look as though they are antiques and price them accordingly. Some collectors advise checking for an "aged" smell, but this is not always useful as the dealer may have cleaned the toy removing any scent.
It is best to handle these toys by their torsos rather than their limbs, as this may cause damage to the delicate joints. Since they are prized collector's items, they must also be kept away from children and pets. Limiting contact with hands is best, as the oils present in skin can cause deterioration the bear's fur.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using a clean brush.
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