Teddy bears are endearing toys which have been around for generations. People who collect antique teddy bears are sure to find what they are looking for either online, or at an antique fair or dealer. When buying these charming toys, it's helpful to know how to find a genuine product for one's money and also how to properly care for them.
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.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
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 bear to avoid are those which are brand new but made by the manufacturer to look old-fashioned. Some deceptive dealers will take these toys and deliberately alter them to look as though they are old and then price them as though they were. Some collectors encourage smelling a bear first to detect an "old smell" but this is not always useful since dealers will clean them, removing such a 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.
Moths are sometimes a problem with antique teddy bears, but this can usually be eliminated by placing the toys in the freezer overnight. Cleaning must be done with the utmost care. The bear can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and then cleaned with a sponge dampened with a solution of fabric wash or soap flakes dissolved in water. Paper towels can be used to blot up excess dampness and then the toy should be left to dry and then have its fur brushed lightly with 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.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
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 bear to avoid are those which are brand new but made by the manufacturer to look old-fashioned. Some deceptive dealers will take these toys and deliberately alter them to look as though they are old and then price them as though they were. Some collectors encourage smelling a bear first to detect an "old smell" but this is not always useful since dealers will clean them, removing such a 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.
Moths are sometimes a problem with antique teddy bears, but this can usually be eliminated by placing the toys in the freezer overnight. Cleaning must be done with the utmost care. The bear can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and then cleaned with a sponge dampened with a solution of fabric wash or soap flakes dissolved in water. Paper towels can be used to blot up excess dampness and then the toy should be left to dry and then have its fur brushed lightly with a clean brush.
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