Collectible Antique Teddy Bears

Be cautious when purchasing antique teddy bears as many factories produce teddy bears that mimic the old styles of teddy bears. If you are collect vintage teddy bears, you should be sure that what you are are buying genuine teddy bears and not bears produced much later. Many antique teddy bears factories have been manufacturing varying designs of these collectibles for years. Some of these manufacturers have been in operation for over 100 years.
Vintage teddy bears with buttons behind the ears are prized by collectors as that is a trademark of Steiff, a manufacturer of vintage teddy bears in collaboration with German manufacturers. An American spotted these at the Leipzig Fair 1903 and imported several thousand. Collectors of vintage teddy bears treasure these bears.
An antique teddy bear was originally created by a shopkeeper’s wife. This small business was owned by the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company and because of the popularity of the collectible teddy bears, teddy bear collecting became a hit.

Restored Antique Teddy Bears “Heirloom Bears”

When unwanted or damaged stuffed antique teddy bears or collectible bears are restored they are labelled “heirloom” bears. Some collectors restore them and add them to their collections with extraordinary results. Sometimes, these bears have movable hips, shoulder joints, and necks which add character to the appearance of the toys. Hand sewn eyes as well as the embroidered noses make them pretty special for any collector. Manufacturers also add special features such as big, shiny bow ties on the necks. If these are given as gifts, it is the perfect touch to it.
Rare Bears are cuddly and made with mink in various colors and combination. Collectors are partial to these somewhat affordable antique bears. Boyd’s series are stuffed bears with a wide variety of character and are in demand over the holiday season.

Not a Teddy Bear Collector?

If you are not a collector but just want a bear for a gift there are thousands of types of new teddy bears in all sizes, colors and costumes. They can be personalized just for your gift.
And to think all this came from a Washington Post cartoon that showed President Theodore Roosevelt sparing the life of a bear during one of his hunts. That is why they are called teddy bears.