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

CUTE RARE ANTIQUE CHAD VALLEY BONZO DOG eBay Watchers: 104 Price: $323.9

Antique Vtg French Bulldog Steiff Like Soft Toy 1920s Chum For You Bears eBay Watchers: 72 Price: $79.0

Antique 1952/53 Mohair Steiff Bear Original! Clean! No Reserve! eBay Watchers: 69 Price: $390.0

Antique Vtg Well Loved Merrythought bear, 1930s , "Captain Marmaduke" eBay Watchers: 67 Price: $56.88

RARE CHOCOLATE BROWN CURLY MOHAIR CHAD VALLEY "GRUNTER" TEDDY BEAR c1915 eBay Watchers: 65 Price: $491.38

APPEALING MINIATURE WHITE MOHAIR STEIFF TEDDY BEAR c1910 MUST SEE! eBay Watchers: 64 Price: $137.46

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:

Manufactured

	CHARLIE BEARS MELODY QVC SPECIAL	7	$23.70	20m
	World of Miniature Bears #890A ANN - Raggedy Type Bear		$14.85	24m
	World of Miniature Bears #889A ANDY - Raggedy Type Bear		$14.85	30m
	World of Miniature Bears #890 ANN - Raggedy Type Bear		$25.20	35m
	World of Miniature Bears #671 Black 1.75" Dog Puppy Blackie		$9.90	1h 32m
	World of Miniature Bears - 2.5" Birthday Pin Bear JULY		$11.70	1h 39m
	18" Jointed "Becky" Bear Brown Collecton-Lovely Outfit		$21.99	1h 54m
	Vintage 1950's Possibly Swiss Made 12" Mutzli Teddy Bear **CUTE**	-	$39.00	2h 32m
	Douglas Company Classics "Oreo" Panda Bear*15" Plush*NEW*1E* #640 1200 *Retired*	-	$39.99	3h 44m
	Essex UK Artist Geoffrey Roebuck Lovables Bear 2000		$279.95	4h 25m
	World of Miniature Bears - Mini CLOWN Bear - CENT-A-BEAR Item#1070		$28.80	4h 48m
	Ashton Drake Ashton Knuddel Bear Clemens Germany Ltd Ed		$99.97	4h 55m
	Old Vintage Dutch Mama Bear By Merison Retail Holland		$129.95	5h 10m
	Ashton Drake Gallery 1999 "Alexander" bear Lenore DeMent	-	$120.00	5h 17m
	Bearly People Collectible French Bouquet Bear		$224.95	5h 19m
	Teddy Treasures Girl Bear Handcrafted with Purse		$158.00	5h 19m
	Dakin 1987 Vintage Handcrafted Wardair Pilot Bear		$79.00	6h 51m
	Ashton Drake Bear Artist Barbara Ferrier 1998		$347.50	7h 2m
	REAL MINK FUR, VALENTINE, ENGAGEMENT, or JEWELRY GIFT BEAR!	-	$195.00 $225.00	7h 47m
	23" Furskins Vintage BOY bear original clothing		$12.99	8h 34m
	Franklin Mint HOLLY CHRISTMAS DRESS-UP TEDDY BEAR NIB		$99.95	9h 52m
	CHARLIE BEARS POPCORN MINIMO BEAR		$78.98	15h 14m
	AUTUMN 2009 COLLECTION CHARLIE BEARS SETH		$71.08	15h 33m
	PAIR OF 2 LARGE MAMA BEAR & PAPA BEAR WITH STANDS		$14.99	18h 53m
	Golfing Bear NWT Chip Greenbeary House of Lloyd Large		$25.68	19h 22m
	Jan Tarlton Bears Crushed Velvet Golden with Black Ears Artist Teddy 13"		$50.56	19h 30m
	LARGE! HANDMADE MOHAIR BEAR BY MOTHER HUBBARD LTD ED		$88.48	19h 56m
	CHARLIE BEARS - LIANE - 2009 SPRING COLLECTION		$42.64	19h 57m
	2 Sigikid LE Bears Pawdy and Belly	-	$55.00 $125.00	20h 33m
	CHARLIE BEARS AKHUTI		$86.88	20h 49m
	SUBERB MOHAIR ARTIST BEAR BY BEATRIX BEARS "MAESE"		$139.04	20h 57m
	Kitty by Charlie Bears		$45.00	21h 22m
	Olly by Charlie Bears		$45.00	21h 25m
	Hattie by Charlie Bears		$65.00	21h 29m
	Naomi by Charlie Bears		$62.00	21h 33m
	Jenkins by Charlie Bears		$64.00	21h 36m