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:

Contemporary (1990-Now)

	Vintage Care Bears Wallet	1	$0.99	17m
	Lot Of Carebears Care Bears Plush	2	$9.49	17m
	Jumbo Friend Bear 28" NWT 2003 Mint Condition		$89.00	20m
	Jumbo Champ Bear 28" NWT 2003 Mint Condition		$135.00	23m
	Three Care Bears Shine & Bright, Love a Lot, & ?		$19.95	26m
	Care Bear book bag Grumpy Adult-owned in GREAT condition	-	$9.95	27m
	Care Bears lot w Care Bears blanket	-	$24.95 $34.95	28m
	Care Bears Cubs Funshine Bear Very cute		$15.00	29m
	Care Bear Lovely 10"Best Friend Bear Plush Doll	-	$1.56	33m
	Purple Surprise Bear Fleece Cuddle Care Bear Plush 12"		$11.99	34m
	Care Bear Plush Christmas Singing Jingle Friend Bear		$12.95	49m
	CARE BEAR HEART OF GOLD BEAR COLLECTORS EDITION SWAROVSKI EYES - NIB	-	$49.99 $69.99	51m
	Care Bears WISH BEAR Winter Gear 2005 8" Plush		$7.64	52m
	2003 Special Edition Chenille Plush Funshine Bear with Tags	-	$6.99 $10.99	54m
	Cute Care Bear Lot	-	$5.00	58m
	Care Bear Lovely 10"Shine Bright Bear Plush Doll	-	$1.56	1h 3m
	13" CARE BEARS SING ALONG FRIENDS LAUGH A LOT PLUSH ORANGE MOVES HEAD SEE VIDEO!	-	$9.99	1h 4m
	COLLECTIBLE 13 INCH TALL STUFFED "SECRET HEART BEAR CARE BEAR "!! VERY CUTE	2	$2.25	1h 4m
	Christmas Stuffed Bedtime Bear	-	$12.00	1h 11m
	Christmas Stuffed Bedtime Bear	-	$12.00	1h 12m
	CARE BEARS Kid's Play Small Ball CUTE Toy NEW	2	$0.01	1h 27m
	2 Care Bear Picture Frames(tenderheart and funshine bear	1	$2.99	1h 31m
	Care Bear Lovely 10"Wish Bear Plush Doll	1	$1.56	1h 33m
	CareBear Cubs "Funshine Bear" EUC!!!		$10.00	2h 3m
	Care Bear Lovely 10"Cheer Bear Plush Doll	-	$1.56	2h 3m
	care bears 21" funshine bear brand new		$59.95	2h 14m
	lot 2-CARE BEARS-14" VERY GOOD CONDITION	-	$8.00 $12.00	2h 28m
	Care Bear Lovely 10"Superstar Bear Plush Doll	-	$1.56	2h 33m
	MINIATURE CARE BEAR FIGURE "FRIEND BEAR" CAKE TOPPER		$3.99	2h 34m
	TALKING HARMONY BEAR CARE BEAR PLUSH 8" NWOT		$12.99	2h 36m
	(2) Care Bears, 02 03	-	$9.99	2h 38m
	Plush 2005 Talking Spanish Amigo Care Bear 13" GREAT		$24.99	2h 40m
	LOT OF 2 CARE BEAR COUSINS - PERFECT PANDA - & PROUD HEART CAT NWT COLLECTORS	-	$12.99	2h 42m
	Clean Vintage Bedtime Bear Care Bear TCFC 13"		$12.99	2h 43m
	Vintage 11" Baby Hugs Bear Care Bears Plush Clean EUC!		$12.99	2h 44m
	Vintage 1991 TCFC Love A Lot Bear 13" Clean EUC!		$18.99	2h 44m