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.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
One should expect that a teddy may have been repaired at some point. While a toy in perfect condition is normally priced higher, careful repairs will not usually lower its value. Dealers will often do restorations to attempt to bring back the toy's original appearance and increase its appeal.
Today, the hot-bed for collector's bears is the internet with its various online auctions. One must be aware however, that there are a number of imposters on the market which are not antiques but are being sold as such. While the features may resemble early bears, these imitations are often plush rather than mohair and available in more colors. Their fur may intentionally worn out to convince buyers of their antique status.
There are also some toys manufactured as true replicas of early ones, but they are then altered by dishonest sellers who try to make them appear genuinely old and mark up their prices accordingly. Some people recommend smelling a bear to see if it has an "old scent" to it, but this does not always help as many dealers clean the bears they sell which effectively eliminates any odor.
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.
Moths are sometimes a problem with antique teddy bears, but this can usually be eliminated by placing the toys in the freezer overnight. Cleaning must be done with the utmost care. The bear can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and then cleaned with a sponge dampened with a solution of fabric wash or soap flakes dissolved in water. Paper towels can be used to blot up excess dampness and then the toy should be left to dry and then have its fur brushed lightly with 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.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
One should expect that a teddy may have been repaired at some point. While a toy in perfect condition is normally priced higher, careful repairs will not usually lower its value. Dealers will often do restorations to attempt to bring back the toy's original appearance and increase its appeal.
Today, the hot-bed for collector's bears is the internet with its various online auctions. One must be aware however, that there are a number of imposters on the market which are not antiques but are being sold as such. While the features may resemble early bears, these imitations are often plush rather than mohair and available in more colors. Their fur may intentionally worn out to convince buyers of their antique status.
There are also some toys manufactured as true replicas of early ones, but they are then altered by dishonest sellers who try to make them appear genuinely old and mark up their prices accordingly. Some people recommend smelling a bear to see if it has an "old scent" to it, but this does not always help as many dealers clean the bears they sell which effectively eliminates any odor.
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.
Moths are sometimes a problem with antique teddy bears, but this can usually be eliminated by placing the toys in the freezer overnight. Cleaning must be done with the utmost care. The bear can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and then cleaned with a sponge dampened with a solution of fabric wash or soap flakes dissolved in water. Paper towels can be used to blot up excess dampness and then the toy should be left to dry and then have its fur brushed lightly with a clean brush.
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