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:

Bearington

	THE BERINGTON COLLECTION BEAR		$6.99	16m
	Reece & Rabbit by Bearington Bears, 14" Tall		$21.95	18m
	Bearington Bear 15"	-	$4.99	23m
	Bearington 10" White Bear - Beary Heartwarmer	-	$5.99 $8.00	26m
	Sally Seashore by Bearington Bears 14"		$21.95	48m
	BEARINGTON BEAR Puddles and Jumper~Ready for the rain~~		$14.91	1h 53m
	The Bearington Collection Plush Brown Bear 13 1 2"		$7.99	2h 55m
	Bearington Collection "Daddy is My Caddy" Golfer Bear		$21.50	3h 9m
	BEARINGTON BEAR "hugs and kisses "		$11.99	3h 10m
	BEARINGTON BEAR " BABY HARTFORD"		$11.99	3h 18m
	Bearington Bear Doll 190067 Valentine Hearts IMA ROMANTIC		$23.95	3h 41m
	Bearington Bear Doll 190068 Valentine Hearts MYA LOVE		$13.50	3h 41m
	PLUSH "LOVERBOY BEAR" 81 2" Bearington Bear Valentine Collection NEW	-	$6.00 $7.00	3h 58m
	PLUSH "HEARTBREAKER BEAR" 8 1 2" Bearington Valentine Collection NEW	-	$6.00 $7.00	3h 59m
	Bearington Bears Little Black Soft Plush 8" Bandit Jr. Bear with Brown Muzzle		$5.89	4h 13m
	Bearington Plush Bear "Granny & Me" #165401 New w Tag		$11.99	4h 52m
	Bearington Bear " Autumn Harvest " Velvet Pumpkin Dress		$89.00	5h 8m
	Bearington Bear Collection Baby Ben 14 1 2" 2055S Mint		$14.95	5h 18m
	Bearington Bears Betsy & Ross USA Stars & Stripes		$89.00	5h 28m
	Bearington Teddy Bear Virginia Plush Victorian 1072		$19.96	6h 4m
	The Bearington Bear Collection Bear With Red Ribbon-Green Leaf-Red Flower		$20.69	6h 4m
	BEARINGTON BEAR-15" JULIETTE PIROUETTE-BALLERNIA FROG		$19.99	6h 14m
	Bearington Bears Mya Love Valentines 2012 Special Edition Bear		$16.00	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Lovie Valentines 2012 Special Edition Bear		$16.00	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Ima Romantic Valentines 2012 Special Edition Bear		$26.00	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Beggin For Love Valentines 2012 Special Edition Puppy Dog		$15.00	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears EARS THE BUNNY NEW 2009 LeanBean Series for Babies		$12.99	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Baby Lady Bug Hugs Lady Bug Red Cuddly Blanket		$15.99	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Kit the Cat NEW 2009 Lean Bean Series for Babies		$12.99	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears JULIETTE PIROUETTE 2009 Adorable Ballerina Frog		$21.99	6h 26m
	Bearington Bears Wooly the Lamb NEW 2009 Lean Bean Series for Babies		$12.99	6h 27m
	Bearington Bears Baby Buzzin Hugs Bee Yellow Super Cute and Soft Blanket		$15.99	6h 27m
	Bearington bears Pilgrim Turkey Thanksgiving GOBBLES		$5.95	6h 38m
	The Bearington Collection Bear Style 126367 Caramel Bear	-	$7.99	6h 53m
	Bearington Collection Judy Gardening Flower Bear Cute!		$22.70	7h 2m
	Bearington Heartbreaker Bear Ltd Edition # 1934		$49.00	7h 11m