Collecting teddy bears can be a fascinating hobby. Teddy bears are a popular collectible for everyone. The teddy bear has often been thought of as a substitute soft toy for boys in place of a girl's doll. Today, many males as well as females collect teddy bears. With the prices vintage teddy bears have fetched at auction, this is definitely a respectable collection for men to pursue.
The teddy bear came into vogue after the famous story about Teddy Roosevelt appeared in the news. The story goes that Roosevelt, an avid hunter, was on a hunting trip with his cronies, but that no bear was found for him to hunt. The others in the party tied a small bear cub to a tree so he could shoot it, but he refused due to the un-sportsman like quality of such an act. The newspapers took the story and ran with it calling the bear cub, Teddy's Bear. That name was even used for some of the earliest manufactured bears until the name Teddy Bear came into vogue.
Vintage bears are valued for their personality. Since even modern bears possess that; they have also become collectible. The look of the bear is a deciding factor in choosing one for you collection. Bears have a surprising amount of personality which is produced by the type and set of their eyes and ears, angle of their head, type of muzzle and length of limbs to name just a few items. The fur they are given and whether or not they are jointed can really change the look of a bear. Basically, their expression is a key factor in who they appeal to and why they are chosen.
If you are looking for vintage bears keep in mind the most important companies that produced bears. A collector of bears will advise you that the most important examples usually come from Steiff. Their bears are considered top of the line. They also made other animals which are probably even more valuable.
Vintage teddy bears have become a major investment so be prepared to spend thousands of dollars if you are interested in purchasing early bears from the first decade of the 1900's. Later bears can sometimes be found in the high hundreds, but you will need to be lucky to find them much cheaper. In years past Sotheby's auction sold a Steiff bear for a record $100,000.
If these bears are a bit 'rich for your blood,' why not collect present day designer or artist bears which can be found in very limited series. Some of the great bears of yesterday are often produced for special anniversaries which give collectors a chance to own great bears at a fraction of the original bears' price.
Bears of the more common variety are everywhere and any cute, well -made bear could be the beginning of a collection. There are Care Bears, vintage and new, in a great wealth of sizes and varieties. These usually are sold for between $10 & $25 a bear. They also have a large amount of companion collectibles that can be part of a collection. There are Care Bear cousins, including elephants, penguins, lions etc. which start at about $20 and can go as high as $30 for hard to find ones. Tiny vinyl vintage care bears are also sought as they are highly valued. These are very inexpensive, but really are a cute addition to any collection.
The Winnie the Pooh bear could be an entire collection in him. He comes in a variety of plush bears as well as books, toys, clothes, and a never ending supply of other items in china, glass, and ceramic.
Paddington Bear is a darling figure to add to any bear collection and also has a variety of collectibles. Boyd's bears and their other animals are still quite collectible at a more moderate price. Bearington bears are real cuties and dressed in some adorable outfits.
All the artist and limited edition bears should be checked for your consideration. These are in a wide range of styles, costumes, and colors. The hair can be faux fur or mohair. They can be an edition of thousands or one of a kind handcrafted. The prices are also widespread covering a large scope of possibilities for any stage collector.
As usual by what appeals to you and in the best condition you can find it.