A Collector' S Guide To The Care And Purchase Of Antique Teddy Bears
The lovable nature of teddy bears makes them an enduring, classic toy. Antique teddy bears are a popular collector's item on the internet and at antique fairs and dealers. When it comes to buying these adorable toys, a person should know how to identify a true antique and a good deal, and understand how to handle and care for them appropriately.
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.
There are helpful reference guides available to collectors which list all features to note when looking for collectible teddies. Some manufacturers and eras have signature characteristics which set them apart. These guides sometimes also list expected prices, but these are often high-end figures and it is usually possible to find them for a lower price.
It's realistic for a bear to have been repaired at some time and this doesn't have to have a negative effect on its value. Although toys in pristine condition will typically sell for more, one can still get a good price for a repaired toy in otherwise reasonable shape. Many dealers will do this to attempt to restore the toy to its original glory.
The internet has become a teddy mecca, with an enormous assortment to choose from. One must realize that there are some so-called "antique" bears being sold which are in fact newer ones that are being made to look old and priced as though they were. While their features may resemble early designs, they are normally made of plush rather than mohair, which may be "aged" to look worn out.
Another type of bear to avoid are those which are new but made in an old-fashioned style, the manufacturers are not try to pass them off as anything else, however sometimes dishonest dealers may attempt to make them look as though they are antiques and price them accordingly. Some collectors advise checking for an "aged" smell, but this is not always useful as the dealer may have cleaned the toy removing any scent.
Careful handling is necessary for teddies. They should be picked up by their torsos instead of their limbs, in order to prevent joint damage. They need to be kept away from children and pets, and should have limited contact with skin as its natural oils can cause fur deterioration.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using 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.
There are helpful reference guides available to collectors which list all features to note when looking for collectible teddies. Some manufacturers and eras have signature characteristics which set them apart. These guides sometimes also list expected prices, but these are often high-end figures and it is usually possible to find them for a lower price.
It's realistic for a bear to have been repaired at some time and this doesn't have to have a negative effect on its value. Although toys in pristine condition will typically sell for more, one can still get a good price for a repaired toy in otherwise reasonable shape. Many dealers will do this to attempt to restore the toy to its original glory.
The internet has become a teddy mecca, with an enormous assortment to choose from. One must realize that there are some so-called "antique" bears being sold which are in fact newer ones that are being made to look old and priced as though they were. While their features may resemble early designs, they are normally made of plush rather than mohair, which may be "aged" to look worn out.
Another type of bear to avoid are those which are new but made in an old-fashioned style, the manufacturers are not try to pass them off as anything else, however sometimes dishonest dealers may attempt to make them look as though they are antiques and price them accordingly. Some collectors advise checking for an "aged" smell, but this is not always useful as the dealer may have cleaned the toy removing any scent.
Careful handling is necessary for teddies. They should be picked up by their torsos instead of their limbs, in order to prevent joint damage. They need to be kept away from children and pets, and should have limited contact with skin as its natural oils can cause fur deterioration.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using a clean brush.
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