TEDDY BEARS

From recognising a 'vintage' fake to making a rare and rewarding find, this guide should tell you all you need to know including handy storage and cleaning tips and preventing bug/moth damage.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The Teddy Bear was first created in 1902 and was named after the then President of The United States Theodore Roosevelt.

Historians agree that the bear received his name after the 26th President, nicknamed 'Teddy' Roosevelt, was on a hunting trip in Mississippi where he failed to make a kill. His hosts captured a bear, which they then presented to the President inviting him to shoot it. He is said to have replied 'Spare the bear'.

This action prompted a cartoon drawing in The Washington Post and a pair of New York shopkeepers, Morris and Rose Michtom, consequently made a soft toy bear which they called Teddy's bear.

At the same time a seamstress named Margarete Steiff began making a soft, plush, jointed bear at her factory in Germany. As a trademark a button was added to each bear's left ear.

In 1903 a shipment of 3,000 of these Steiff bears were exported to America and quickly became popular with Americans and also Europeans alike.

Although not as rare as bears made by Bing which are highly desirable, Steiff bears are one of the most favourite sought after make of bear by collectors all over the world and the early ones command very high prices at auction.

A rare black Steiff bear - one of only 600 ordered for England after the Titanic sank on 14th April 1912 -  sold for an amazing £28,200 at auction. (See below)

More recently, prices of some Steiff bears have reached in excess of £100,000 at auction and with high demand and limited supply their value is only set to increase further.

Here are my tips that I hope will assist all collectors when purchasing a bear.

TOP TIPS

1. When considering a purchase of an early bear always sniff it as it is virtually impossible to fake years of love, attention and little accidents.

2. Get to know the characteristics, style and stitching techniques used by the various manufacturers.

3. Early bears have a long snout as well as longer arms than their modern relations and resemble real bears. Bears made after World War 2 have flatter faces and shorter arms.

4. Prior to the 1950's a bear's eyes were made from either boot buttons or glass. Materials such as felt or velvet were also used and the fur was generally mohair. Later bears have synthetic paw pads and fur with plastic eyes.  

5. Avoid suspiciously clean 'old' bears or any bear that has an old label and clean paw pads as pre-World War 2 bears are often faked.

6. The age of a Steiff bear can be determined by it's shape as well as the type of button in it's left ear. Beware of immitation buttons placed on non-Steiff bears.

7. Look out for photographs of bears with their original owners as these as well as an interesting or heart-warming story or history will add interest and value. Probably the most poignant bear tale is that of Edwin who was found in the pocket of a soldier killed in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The bear was sent to the soldier's young widow who kept it on a shelf placed next to her late Husband's photograph. Edwin was expected to fetch between £300 - £500 when he eventually came to auction many years later, but was bought by a private collector for £4,230! (See below)

8. Miniature and novelty bears by makers such as Schuco and Steiff are also popular collectables and often more affordable than their larger companions. Look out for examples that conceal a hidden function such as a perfume bottle.

9. Although Stieff bears remain the most sought after, other names to look out for are Gebruder Bing and Schuco (as previosly mentioned), as well as Merrythought, Chad Valley and Pedigree of Britain. J K Farnell - known as the English Steiff, and Chiltern also produced desirable bears. 

10. Unusual coloured bears other than the regular browns and blonde shades are also desired by collectors. Below is a 1920's turquoise blue mohair bear by makers Farnell valued at around £2,000.

FUTURE COLLECTABLES

Prices for 1940's and 1950's bears are now rising as earlier supplies dry up. During the late 1970's bears started to be made exclusively as Collector's items and although they may have potential future investment their prices are not yet rising. Always keep the paperwork and box however if purchasing a future collectable as this can only add to it's value in years to come.

CARE OF YOUR BEARS

1. Keep bears in a dry environment out of sunlight.

2. Beware of moths which can be very harmful to your bears and consider using lavendar as a natural repellant.

3. Refrain from handling vintage bears where possible as they are very fragile and damage can easily occur.

4. Wrap your bear in a watertight bag and freeze it for 24 hours after purchase to destroy any bugs that might eat into the fabric.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope that the information was of interest to you, if you found it helpful then I would appreciate it if you would click on the 'YES' button below.