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:

Bear Accessories

	Build a Bear Sleeping Beauty Princess Dress, Crown, & Necklace Outfit	1	$4.00	1h 40m
	The Bear Candles - Box with 2 Dozen Miniature Candles - Cute		$14.99	2h 57m
	Teddy Bear Wardrobe, 23 sweaters, 2 outfits and 2 hats	1	$15.00	3h 30m
	Build a Bear girls clothing lot	1	$8.50	3h 36m
	Build a Bear girls clothing lot	-	$10.00	3h 39m
	Build a Bear girls clothing lot	-	$7.00	3h 51m
	Build a Bear girls clothing lot	-	$7.00	3h 58m
	Build a Bear girls clothing lot	-	$8.50	4h 2m
	Huge Lot of Build A Bear Boys Clothes ~23 Pc. EUC!!!		$39.99	5h 19m
	WOOD BEAR AND OR DOLL SWEETHEART BENCH NICE!! VALENTINE!!	-	$5.99	5h 26m
	Clothes Fit Build A Bear - Jogging Shoe - Faux Laces - Pink and Silver on White		$8.99	5h 50m
	exquisite cute charm small white bear tan nose simulated diamond cellphone strap	-	$0.60	6h 10m
	"TEDDY BEAR COSTUME" REINDEER OUTFIT WITH ANTLERS NEW		$4.00	6h 13m
	Build a bear workshop dog leash toy 30" long	-	$2.99	6h 17m
	Build a Bear Summer Outfit 2 pcs	-	$4.99	6h 20m
	Build a Bear Pink Velvet Outfit GUC	-	$5.99	6h 21m
	TEDDY BEAR DOLL PET SWEATER FITS 10" TO 12"	-	$2.99	7h 23m
	JUSTICE BUILD A BEAR 2 PIECE OUTFIT IN EXCELLENT USED CONDITION!	-	$5.75 $7.75	8h 46m
	2 Piece BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP outfit in Excellent Used Condition!	-	$4.75 $6.75	8h 49m
	New Baby Build A Bear Denim Jeans Set 2004 Never opened	-	$2.00	10h 6m
	2 in 1 DOLL TEDDY BEAR REVERSIBLE SATIN COTTON DRESS Made in England		$18.96	18h 46m
	Build-a-Bear Craft Shop Personalized Tote Bag		$8.00	19h 45m
	Build-a-Bear Craft Shop Crochet Scarf Kit		$8.00	19h 45m
	BUILD A BEAR PLUSH KITTEN HAND BAG	-	$0.99	20h 17m
	TENDER HEART MISS LIBERTY 4TH JULY OUTFIT FOR 12" BEAR		$10.00	1d
	Blue and White Clay Pendant Necklace for Bear & Doll		$3.50	1d
	JP Bartholomew The Teddy Express teddy bear wagon MINT		$374.95	1d 4m
	BUILD A BEAR PURPLE SANDALS ( X2 PAIRS )	-	$8.00 $12.00	1d 29m
	Build A Bear Pet House Carrier for Travel. SUPER CONDITION	-	$12.99	1d 39m
	Hand Made Brown Clay Pendant Necklace for Bear & Doll		$3.50	1d 44m
	PRINCESS OUTFIT FOR 10-12 INCH STUFFED BEARS NEW		$4.49	1d 55m
	Gold Toned Liberty Bell Pendant for Bear & Doll		$4.95	1d 1h 2m
	Lil Luvables Fluffy Factory Bear Outfit - Cute Bears #2		$8.50	1d 1h 4m
	Lil Luvables Fluffy Factory Bear Outfit - Cute Bears #3		$7.25	1d 1h 4m
	Lil Luvables Fluffy Factory Bear Outfit - Cute Bears		$7.25	1d 1h 4m
	BUILD A BEAR FACTORY RARE & HTF DASCHUND DOG & HOT DOG COSTUME BNWT		$47.38	1d 1h 40m