Introduction . . .

I am now honored to reach out to the collectors and owners
of unidentified bears, stuffed animals and vintage toys.

Ken did this for years and was an expert appraiser. I was his understudy or apprentice and together we viewed and enjoyed each and every request that came our way.

Appraising bears online is a fun adventure for all of us.
We will share our discoveries here on this web page.

Meeting new faces, in teddy bear form, and sharing the knowledge I have gathered, will be a joy. Together we can discover that everything old can be newly appreciated!

Beary best,
Brenda Yenke 

How much is your beloved bear worth?

Cursor down to discover the appraisal procedure.

Greetings Brenda,

Bear was purchased at an estate sale. He is 25-26” tall.
Belly has crunchy material underneath fur, arms and legs seem to have some sort of stuffing material underneath. Arms, legs, and head are all movable. Joints feel hard. There are e threaded claw lines on each of the front paws, but none on the feet.

Rick

Hi Brenda,

this guy is exactly 22" tall.
I don’t know anything about his history. I obtained him at an estate sale. I thought he looked interesting and so
I brought him home. He does have a growler in his back - all of his joints move freely - one leg might be a little loose. He apparently has the wood shavings for his stuffing. I don’t know what else to tell you about him that the pictures don’t show.

Thanks again,

Jerry.

Hi Donald,
Your French mechanical bear with rabbit fur points to Roullette Decamp. The visible “France” marking reveals it was made around 1890, if it was imported into the US. That would coincide with the Mc Kinley Tariff Act, which had to include the words Made In ( country of origin) from 1890-1920. The unique aspect of French toys, most were made for the French market, while German toys were very much imported. The tin French teddies with fur and wooden hands and feet were Fernand Martin. Both were mechanicals. The applied nose and glass eyes give him a puppy dog look- kind and gentle. The bell may be original, with a replaced ribbon. As with any toy, nonworking puts them at a decreased value. But as my late husband used to say…a toy is made for play.. and yes we have a few that no longer work! You could go to a clock shop for a key or try an antique/flea market. We purchased a key from a clock repair shop, has various inserts for different sizes. The interior is paper mâché based. At 10” your specimen French, once walking bear, on all fours would be valued at $150.00. If he worked- double that!
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

This bear came from my mom who got her from a friend. What we know is this bear is an “Ideal Teddy” circa 1910. It is 24 inches. It has some bald spots and one of his arms has a tear (see pic) where wood looking things are coming out. My mom has passed but called him Mr Green. Her friends last name was Green.

Cathy

Hi Peggy,
Your large sized teddy with the wear to the back of his legs is German, most similar to the original Edmund Mechtold in Neustadt near Coburg. They formed in 1909, but in 1948, the son in law took over, renaming it AHU, after his name Albert Hutschau. He formed this new trademark in 1950. After his death in 1960, his widow and sister carried on the business. They closed in 1963. Known for all sizes of teddy bears, the inset muzzle and long arms of the large teddies were a hit at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1950. Your teddy dates to this time. The eyes are glass, hand stitched vertical nose and mouth extension. The pads are wool felt. What happened to the legs, is he was placed on a quilt or wool surface, where the moths had a feeding time! You could sit him on some cedar chips to make sure this damage was done sometime ago. At 24” he is large, and excelsior stuffed. Value for teddy with the sparse mohair on the back legs would be valued at $150.00.
Brenda

Lisa in Minnesota

Hi Lisa,
Your 16” teddy is American Ideal bear made in NY, and it is often called a “stick bear” with the long skinny legs, and the shorter arms. It was made after the WWI, around 1919. Conserving on materials, the stick bear offered the real Mc Coy for the teddy bear craze. He is mohair, and filled with excelsior. He is five way jointed and may need his head turned and appendages turned. As he appears now, the finishing seam is in the front. Most American bears had this seam in the back. German bears were more likely to have the finishing seam in the front..so a simple few turns, and he will be a happy bear. Ideal was a large manufacturer that made bears for many decades. Rose and Morris Michtom were the brains behind Ideal. Their NY factory address was initially found in the 1907 census. The eyes were most likely glass on a wire shank. Not exactly child proof, but somehow they survived. The shoe button eyes were the early models. The large ears are toward the center of the head. If you have pictures of your Dad with teddy that would help value and be known as provenance. As he appears, the felt hand coverings are sewn over to keep the stuffing in place, and the darning for the feet is meticulously sewn. His nose would have a cotton twill covering while the mouth extension was cord. All in all at antique status, his valve would be $125.00.
Love he was born in Elyria, OH too!
Brenda

Hi Erica,
Yes, your initial feelings about Silberstein are correct, with that unusual head seam and the appointments we see! Heinrich Silberstein was located in Berlin, and in 1906, he advertised animal bears with velvet paws and movable parts. There became a legal dispute with Steiff, who took them to court. Matters resolved since many other companies also advertised these movable parts, and the teddy bear multiplied! Your example is very early, 1906, making him antique. The velvet has worn off its nap…meaning the backing is what you see. The cord claws and mouth were very thick, and all still very evident. They had velvet feet, yours merely resembling the cloth backing. The stuffing was probably a combination and called “sub”, a term used in the factories. My late husband gets the credit for positively identifying this bear from Germany, after reading texts and then seeing one in person. Before that time they were unidentified or perhaps American. Their faces are the true ID, with that seam you mention that encases the sweep of the contours around the ears and forming his traits. He can be restored with stuffing, very carefully as his mohair is sturdy and intact. Value for your iconic German Silverstein 12” teddy with wear would be $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Vera,
Your newly acquired teddy is mint, and at 21”, considered a large sized teddy. He appears to be an artist bear, with the additional creative touches of silk inspired pads. The fur is most likely a wool or wool blend possibly taken from a coat. He is attentive with the big cupped ears to hear, and has a leather like nose with the mouth stitching matching the eyes (iris). He is five way jointed. The stuffing may be polyester fill, perfect for new creations. The paw pads are made from a silk Victorian crazy quilt. The cut out initials are nicely preserved to add their identity. All four pads have this silk presentation. The eyes are plastic, and the iris matches the mouth extension. He is five way jointed, or an articulated teddy. Artist bears made a debut in the marketplace with Beverly Port designing and promoting this special craft. Prices have come down like most items today, but he is original and would carry a value of $75.00.
Brenda

The bear is 14 inches tall, 5-way jointed.
He belonged to my Mother in Law, maybe from the 30's or 40's?
Thank you for your help!

Sandy

Hi Sandy,
Your 14” mohair teddy is American, made by Character Novelty Co. They were formed in 1932, under two New Yorkers, in Norwalk CT. Caesar Mangiapani was the designer and Jack Levy was the salesman. They eventually had a showroom in NY after 1945. This company became famous, with the Elvis song, (Let me be your) Teddy Bear in 1957. Pictured on the jacket of the record is a Character teddy bear! Your example is older, 1940s, with the air brushed claws, shoe button eyes with white circle felt backings, vertically stitched cord nose, red felt tongue and original silk bow. His felt pads are mint as well. If you have pictures of your Mother-in-law with the teddy that would add to provenance. It still can be provenance with a written letter to include her info. Value for the original mint teddy would be $275.00.
Brenda

Hi Karen,
Another large one…and this is American with the fabric nose that may have been re-stiitched. His ears are also cupped and sewn toward more of the front, almost monkey style. That is the Ideal look, dating him to 1914. The American Stars and Stripes nutcracker displayed by him and his patriotic necktie, and the eagle landing on the flag, make for a great outing. His mohair is very gold, with the arms placed close to the body. His pads are re-stitched as well. Ideal Novelty and Toy was early, started by Morris and Rose Michtom. We saw the census report in 1907, that lists their business in NY. Nothing before that time was recorded. Usually the eyes were inside the head seam in the earlier bears. Stuffed with excelsior, he was cared for over the years. Most had claws, but wear also could have been a factor. He does have a cord extension for the septum and mouth. Considering his updates, a value of $800.00. would be appropriate.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
The bear is 19" standing
Golden color Mohair.
The eyes are black- Not glass maybe plastic or other material. Has a working growler. Makes some cute noises when you move him.
I bought this bear from an estate sale.

The person had a whole bunch of wonderful dolls and stuffed animals.
She originally had this guy dressed up and infant cloths. Called the Cutest One.

Hi John,
Your sweet vintage teddy is even more interesting with your added history! The small mohair bear is a Steiff, dating to the late 1950s. With your added notes on your Grandfather, it makes teddy’s story very interesting. I think he was purchased in Germany, as part of the 100th Anniversary of US Pres. Theodore Roosevelt’s October birthday in 1958, calling it the Nimrod bear. They even had a special Festival in Germany for this occasion, and it was covered on our TV News, CBS broadcasting. At this time, they could have had overruns at the factory, selling such bears without costume, buttons, or tags. The buttons were merely clipped into place during the early years, and could easily be removed. The later birthday celebration for the 125th year was made exclusively for the US market, in 1983. This set of three campfire teddies are 9” teddies,with colors of gold, white, or brown, all costumed within a cardboard box. Since your Grandfather was a Chief Stewart on SS America, I think he would have chosen such a bear with TR in mind of his USS Theodore Roosevelt NATO Warship! Value for your teddy with provenance would be $300.00.

Brenda

Greetings Brenda
This item on purchase, was stated to be German & over hundred years old from a op-shop Despite it much loved appearances this 27" tall bear remains very adorable. Her face is a classical friendly, her eyes appear to be glass, brown with black pupils. She has the remnants of the 5 claws and the possible remnants of the thread which held the Steiff tag in the ear. It has the seam down the middle and is stuffed with a straw like substance.

Her joints are definitely vintage the head rotates on a cardboard fashioned support. Her limbs only move in a up and down manner with some slight circular rotation. She has had a repair, I believe to he nose. Re stitched. He paws appear original. She is missing covering cloth from her paws and feet. She goes appear to make a noise when moved.
If you could help me with a appraisal and identification it would be great.

Thank you,
Deidre in Australia

Hi Deidre,
Your old teddy, even with the wear, has a definite presence. She most resembles a French maker, called F.A.D.A.P. The large feet, hand closed body seam in the back torso, large cupped ears, and the upturned nose. He dates to the 1920s, the very early years for the teddy bear industry. France was early on their fur covered animals, both mechanical and still, but came into the bear industry with less demand for quality. The nap on the left leg trends upward while the right leg has the normal downward flow of the mohair. A small sample of quality control. The fur is quite worn as well, not a fault of manufacturing, but simply well worn. The nose cord color would be correct if the bear was originally white, however, I see a golden hue. Golden bears had black noses and cords. The five claws would be very early….1905, and France did not have teddies at that time. The artistry to recreate teddy left their mark. The additional black eyes are replacements as well. She is a large bear, with excelsior and kapok stuffing. The pads are open, and could be gently closed, filled in with like fabric. At 24”, a very large bear. This company was at Divonne-les-Bains, a town near the Swiss border. They ceased business in the 1970s. Value for your reworked French teddy with wear would be $ 175.00.

Brenda

Hi Brenda,

The bear came from my mother. I don’t know where she got it. He is about 4 3/4” tall and about 5 1/2” long. Looks like glass eyes and of course the green collar. On the tag is written 195.

Carol

Hi Carol,
Your sweet little bear is a Steiff, from the 1950s. It is called the Original teddy, but can also be called a standing bear on all fours, the young bear. His collar is perfect, leather and has the bell attached. At this time the buttons in the left ear were mainly clamped into place, and could be gently removed. Later models had a machine type mechanism that was not easily removed, and could cause damage to the mohair. His color is caramel, they also did a white bear. The head should be jointed and is easy to move from side to side on the round disc. He is in excellent condition, and may be waiting for a sleigh of toys! I have a similar sized teddy that I put small wooden skies on his foot area and gently kept them in place. Value for your vintage small bear would be $100.00.
Brenda

Hi Carly,
What a sweet teddy, who is also in excellent condition! I do think he is German, with a few traits from Cuna & Ootto Dressel,from Sonneburg, exporter of toys. They were a family company, with traits similar to Steiff. The shaven muzzle, red glass eyes outside the head seam, and the vertical sewn nose cord and the long extension for his mouth resemble these teddies. A few examples had the pointed footpads, with the wool felt covering. He is hand closed in the front, with large cupped ears and no claws. I would date him to the 1940s with the shorter arms. At 16” in such fine condition, his value would be $350.00. Very wonderful gift for yourself…mint and classic!
Brenda

Hi Carly,
Your great antique teddy seams to most fit with the German manufacturer Herman Eckstein, who had a factory in Neustadt near Coburg. He dates to the 1920s, with the long arms and slight upturn at the paws. The eyes are red glass, with right eye sewn on the seam, while the left one is just outside the seam. He has large cupped ears, and a horizontally sewn cord nose with mouth extension. The shoulders and hump are rather nonexistent. He is closed with the hand stitching on the back. The 4 claws on each extremity match the nose. The felt pads have some wear with excelsior showing. I would consider him a large 24” teddy. The mohair has a few areas of wear, but the head is the most important aspect. I would value him at $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Adam,
Your mohair teddy is American, from the Knickerbocker Toy Co. how nice you know his provenance with your Great Grandma! This wonderful firm later became the favorite teddy of Shirley Temple. They first made alphabet wooden blocks for the Victorian era, and got into bears at the earliest from the 1920s. They were located in Albany NY. In the late 60s they moved to Middlesex NJ. Wallace Berrie took over on the 1980s, but ceased operation shortly thereafter. Your prime cinnamon bear dates to the 1930s, with the velvet pads and shaven snout. The eyes are amber glass and the nose vertically stitched. No claws. At 20”, this is considered a large size teddy. You are correct with the excelsior stuffed head, while the limbs were kapok/cotton. These teddies did have tags, sewn into the chest seam, toward the top. If you have pictures of your great grandma and teddy this would increase the value and be known as provenance. It’s never too late though, as you could take your picture with teddy and give him the legacy he deserves! Value for your very good condition 20” vintage teddy would be $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Dana,
Your sweet teddy bear is German, from Schuco. He is in really good condition dating to the 1950s with the downturned paws. They did this style to make the German bears appear more friendly and gentle. He is all original, with cardboard inserts into the soles of the feet for proper standing. It is mechanical, tail moves the head-making him a talking bear, saying yes and no. Historically, Schuco was founded in Nuremberg in 1912 by Heinrich Schreyer and Heinrich Muller. Muller previously worked for Bing. They continued in production until the 1970s. His eyes are glass, the nose is hand stitched cord, and the mohair muzzle is shaven. Pads are wool felt. Being he is a working mechanical teddy, the value would be $650.00.
Brenda

Hi DJ,
Thank you for your kind words about Ken, and for enjoying his Collector Books! He also has a hard bound book- Bing Bears and Toys of his favorite maker! He loved collecting and sharing his love of the teddy bear! Back to your unusual teddy. I scoured high and low, pages and volumes, similar but nothing quite the same as yours. My conclusion is he is English or Australian, manufactured not artist, and dates to the 1940s. With bendable arms and legs, not jointed, the neck is also stationary. The material is a natural fabric, possibly lamb skin, with the leather pads sculpted and formed to appear as bear tracks. He is kapok filled, has a leather nose and glass eyes. I also see the extension for the mouth, salmon colored cord. At 24” he is a large bear, and very huggable. He goes along the lines of a Wendy Boston…but better! The muzzle on the face has a separate piece inserted where the nose and mouth were formed. The ears are flat, not cupped and the eyes resemble early shoe buttons. He perhaps was an advertising teddy. I would give him a value of $125.00.

Hi Karen,
Interesting large teddy who does appear to be an early one, most probably American. The Aetna Toy Animal Co. began in 1906, and were available through George Borgfeldt and Co. of NY. Formerly known at the Keystone Bear, they were top quality and compared to the best. Stamped on the right foot were the words AETNA when they were first made. Today, a century plus later, most have lost this imprint. He was gold, being somewhat pale from sun over the years. He is still very good in condition, having the original vertical hand stitched woven type cord for the nose and mouth extension. They had no smile, but a rather dignified presence. His finished seam compares to other American teddies, found in the back seam. I see at least four claws, maybe even 5, which were very early. He has a large hump, resembling the shoulder blades of a real bear. He is 5 way articulated, with large cupped ears toward the side of the head. He dates from 1906-08. A few moth holes in the feet, could easily be filled in with wool felt patching. Value would be $1,500.
Brenda

Hi Melissa,
Your black mohair teddy bear is not a Steiff, but it is an artist made reproduction…made probably about 20 years ago. The black mohair bears made a debut after the Titanic sunk in 1912. They appeared in many shop windows as a mourning tribute to all who lost their lives. Steiff and various other companies came up with this sympathy teddy bear. Ironically, the black bear scared young children, so their immediate impact was to change that appearance. His glass eyes appear outside the seam, ( Steiff are brown painted backs), ears on the side of the head, and extra long arms to mimic the older models. He is well sewn, but the deliberate damage to the pads is unfortunate. Again, this was to imitate a possible old example. The fur or mohair is quite full and has a shaven muzzle. The nose cord and claws match, a nice compliment for keeping tradition. Steiff used a red cord for their models, but your salmon tone is well done too. I am hoping he is excelsior stuffed for future keeping. An artist made teddy as a “look back”, usually has a slight value today compared to 20 years ago. It’s like most items…up and down in evaluation. I would give him a value of $75.00. If the pads were mint, we could add another $50.00.
Brenda

Hi Dana,
Your mid sized teddy has great provenance…from the Steiff Co. of Germany. He is mohair, and would be excelsior stuffing. The center seam final closing with the heavier thread must have had a slight repair for stuffing. Even though he has older traits, those completed in the 50s, adhered to those traits to carry forward their heritage. He is an early example, with the chubby nature of the body, dating to 1950-51. His name was Original Teddy. The early ones had glass eyes, later examples were plastic due to child safety laws. He has some wear spots, the face being the most important attribute. The nose is cord, vertically stitched. Same cord is used on each of the 4 claws. He would have had a button in the left ear, with a yellow ribbon attached revealing his data points. Later examples had riveted buttons as well, that could not be removed. He had a silk ribbon around his neck, and a circular chest tag sewn into the front seam. The pads have been professionally replaced. It either has a growler or squeaker. Most vintage teddies, have inoperable voices. Value for your 15-16” teddy would be $375.00. Brenda

Hi Lisa,
Your newly inherited storage teddy at 20” is considered a large bear. He most likely is an artist made teddy from a few observations. The original Teddy Bear Artist’s Manual, published in 1989 by Hobby House Press and written by the combined efforts of Rosemary and Paul Volpp. They owned Happy Anniversary, the Steiff bear who set record price, as well as many, many other bruins. Also complied by Donna Harrison and Dottie Ayers, longtime dealers and collectors. Alice Ann Liles of Maryland was known for her antique looking teddies. She began making bears with traits of older bears. As shown, your teddy has long arms, long torso, wide hips, and full legs with feet that point upward. This one significant trait of the feet is very discernible, as the antique ones are almost always pointing to the side. This in point has to do the older excelsior stuffing. The ears are full and rather flat as compared to cupped. His sweet face with the high forehead and low set shoe button eyes, reveal the shoulders are also high. The fur is synthetic, and perhaps the leather maybe a vinyl composite. The nose is cord, done in a horizontal stitch, and a small cord mouth. As an artist made bear, the price would be $75.00 as is. Bet he gives wonderful hugs!
Brenda

Hi Mary,
What a great condition teddy bear! He is most likely German instead of American, with the pointed footpads, and hand closed finishing seam on the front. He dates to the 1920s, probably from the Neustadt area of Germany, near Coburg. His mohair is in great shape, with excelsior stuffing holding him together. Johann Hofmann were mostly bear makers, but they also did cloth animals. The eyes are sewn inside the head seam, with shoe buttons and a slight upturn to the hands. The torsos were long, like yours. They were also known for the pointed footpads. Ears were cupped and large. The entire family worked in the industry. Although business slowed after WWII, it was not until 1971 that production ceased. Value for your original 22” German teddy would be $2,000.
Brenda

Hi Reyna,
Your teddy bear has very unique traits, pointing perhaps to a very interesting homemade teddy!
At 18”, he is considered more towards the large range. The very close together shoe button eyes have flashbacks to the early imported TY bears. No claws, no discernible paw pads, but a truly hand stitched nose and mouth! It seems the neck joint is the only replica characteristic towards the older bears, as most were jointed with either wood, cardboard or later plastic joints. The button fastening joint is very unique and a challenge to bring forth the articulated movement. This and and close together eyes, makes me lean toward the handmade teddy. The fur seems to be acrylic, soft yet called a faux fur. The seams are a bit primitive as well, with a heavy front body closure on the Pooh sized tummy. Ears are sewn into place and the face is able to accommodate his large body. The sailor shirt is sweet, and offers a dressed up theme. He is American, handmade, and perhaps has a combination stuffing…polyfill and excelsior. Value for your teddy is minimal compared to the hugs he gives. At any rate, $40.00 would be an appraised value.
Brenda

Hi Sarah,
You have very sweet friends who decided to gift you with teddy, who is now vintage! At 24”, he is considered large. His background is English, coming from the Chiltern factory. His fur is mohair, reddish brown glass eyes, worn velvet pads that are original, and over stitched claws still attached to the hands. When new all four claws were visible. The nose is a molded safety plastic with a mouth extension and septum drop. He has been well loved with slight areas of fur loss, hence this Hugmee series is very appropriate! Dating to the 1960s, he is quite a charmer. The stuffing is soft, not the hard excelsior. If you have pictures of both you and teddy, that makes the provenance! Increases the value by about 10%or more. As he is, value would be $325.00.
Brenda

PS. A talented teddy bear artist could repair the exposed paw pad and just need plugging on the rest. If you sew, you could try this repair, by looking for the correct shade and composition of material.

Hi Julie,
You have what is referred to as a miniature teddy, at 6”.
He is mohair, has disc joints with a cotter pin attached to anchor his arm to the shoulder. The stuffing is excelsior. Teddy is a German maker, possibly Strunz. The original shoe button eye and the other replacement is placed within the head seam. The cord nose is horizontal and the arms and legs have no pads, just seamed closures. The ears have a slight cupping. He dates to 1909+ and would also be referred to as a doll sized teddy. Made in the image of Steiff, Strunz had many court appearances to counter their likeness. Value for your little guy would be $300.00.
Brenda

Hi John,
Your 10” unjointed teddy bear was made like the crib bears were constructed, no hard joints! The plastic radiating eyes resemble those from the American company, Knickerbocker. They introduced teddies into their toy line by the 1920s.
This particular star gazing eye was used in the 1960s. It also explains the large round ears, soft felt nose and red cord for the mouth. The button is not a part of production for this unjointed bear, it may have been placed there by an owner. The over stitched seams, acrylic fur and soft stuffing were all safety features. This famous NY firm moved to NJ in the late 60s. They ceased operating in the 1980s. One of their famous bears was featured in the Shirley Temple movie, Now and Forever, in the 1930s. Value for your safety first teddy would be $45.00.
Brenda

Hello,
This is my mom's bear.
It is a bit beat up - no tags or buttons anywhere. 12" tall.
I thought it might be Steiff but has no ear tag. 5 claws on each foot, missing one eye. He has and embroidered nose.
Thanks for your assistance.

Gail

Hi Gail,
You surely do have an important teddy..it is American Ideal. This is one of the first ones, with 5 claws, shoe button eyes, sewn horizontal nose cord and short mohair. Morris and Rose Michtom had a stationery shop in NY. After hearing of Pres. Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting expedition and boundary dispute in MS, the legend says they made teddy bears and offered them in their shop. We know the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. was first operational in 1907. This Bear would be one of their first, possibly 1905. The wool pads are perfect, with the classic pointed toes. ideal had the arms low on the shoulders, the ears cupped and sewn on the side of the head. His condition is remarkable. So you have pictures of your Mom with teddy? Value for your 12” American beauty would be $1,500.
Brenda

Hi Gabriel,
Your sweet find happens to be English, from the Chiltern Co. In 1919, Leon Rees inherited Chiltern Toy Works from his father in law and a business associate, Josef Eisenmann. Leon works with Harry Stone to form their H.G. Stone & Co. to market stuffed toys under Chiltern Toy Works. At 16”teddy is considered medium sized, was made of mohair and has totally articulated joints. He dates to the 1930s, with the small ears sewn within the head seam, and a slight upward turn to the pads. Known as the Hugmee series, this was a very cuddly group, and as seen from his mohair loss..he was very well loved. The eyes are clear glass, and the nose is vertically stitched with a wide mouth. Some of the eyes were red glass, while the nose at times had an upward outer stitch. The oval pads are original on the feet, while the hands are recovered. He sports three claws on each appendage. By the late 1960s, they merged with Chad Valley. Value for well loved teddy authentic would be $ 125.00.
Brenda

Hi Donald,
Wow..nice find for a really great price! Your newest teddy is German, possibly coming from the Sonneberg area, by J.G. Escher and Sohn. Founded in 1890 their dolls were first, then the bears developed in the 1920s. No hump on the back, five way jointed and small ears slightly cupped ears were featured in their catalogs. With the slight turned up nose, short mohair, oval foot pads, four claws and a simple horizontal cord nose with a deep inverted Y for the mouth. I believe the stuffing is excelsior with the firmness exhibited. The muzzle is slightly shaven. The hand knitted wool sweater is a reminder of the original factory with their many dolls. The red and white hat adds to a circus feel as well. Foot pads seem to be replaced, while the wool felt hand pads are excellent. Shoe button eyes are placed on the head seam. Value for your 1920s, 14” teddy would be $350.00. Enjoy!
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

This gold mohair bear was bought at an auction and remains in his 'as is' condition. He took my interest as he has similar characteristics to my Grandmother's old bear, therefore very keen to hear your thoughts on his history. He stands at 49cm/19 inches, legs 20cm/8 inches and arms 18cm/7 inches. His body contains 5 joints and is filled with kapok. His head filling looks like fine cork chips.

Hi Suzanne,
This teddy at 19” appears to be American, and the cork stuffed head would emulate the Hahn & Amberg Co. of NY. The hand sewn finishing seam is located in the back, a trait that coincides with most of the American companies. I would date her (since it reminds you of your Grandmothers teddy), to 1915. American products were a bit behind the German makers in quality, for mohair and wool felt. She has been a very valuable companion to someone over the years, hence her almost total mohair loss. But, her backing is strong, and she has kept her joints! The slight cupped hands are also an American trait. Her nose could be carefully restored. She has nice pointed toes, and large cupped ears to hear all conversations. Her arms extend from a low shoulder. This company also made Eskimo dolls/Teddy dolls with mohair bodies and heads of bisque or celluloid. The original eyes may have been round shoe buttons, as opposed to the flat ones. She would be worth about $100.00 with slight repairs. Goldie is very sweet!
Brenda

Hi Cathy,
Your American made Gund teddy bear is not mohair, but seems to be a wool plush. The muzzle probably matched the off white wool felt pads, and not the body material. The eyes are glass, and the stuffing in the muzzle and head appear to be excelsior, while the body is kapok. Over stitched seams were very common for Gund. Large cupped ears complete his profile. The bell must have been his “music”. The joints are fully articulated. Teddigund dates to the late 1940s. Value as he is, $35.00, while a properly, fully restored example would be $125.00.
Brenda

Hi Suzanne,
Your interesting character teddy has a definite English appeal with the costuming and non jointed stance. Most likely favoring the Deans company, he dates to the late 1930s-40s. They made this style for many years, under the leadership of designer Richard Ellet. Located in London, Dean’s Rag Book tags were attached to their plush bears from 1920s-1955. During WWII, they had a limited factory, concentrating on war needs. His stationery mohair head, with rust colored vertical nose and slight mouth extension, appears as a dignitary almost, with the blue wool uniform top and herringbone tweed trousers. The buttons color match his nose! Shoe button eyes, outside the head seam, and a velvet type covering for the inner ears, and pads. His hands and feet are also mohair. The stuffing is kapok, and excelsior, very firmly packed. There are no claws. They existed through world wars and many changes in leadership, but survived until 2015! Value for your “character” standing teddy would be $150.00 as is. An expert repair could be accomplished with a matching tweed, to increase the value.
Brenda

Hi Patrick,
Your wife’s childhood teddy is the famous one..from Steiff. This design is the “Original Teddy”, with five way jointing, long arms and large cupped ears. He was made is the 1950s, and this design is the original one. In the 1970s they altered the head design into a heart shaped with a seven muzzle. Her teddy is in great condition, and any pictures of teddy with her would be an added bonus on the value. Steiff was formed in 1877, with Margarete being the main seamstress. Even with her disability of polio, and only able to use her right arm, with her left foot completely paralyzed and only slight movement in her right foot, she used the wheelchair and her religious dedication for success. Her motto..”Only the best is good enough for our children”. At the time your wife’s teddy was made, it had a button in the ear, with a tag, cardboard chest tag and a ribbon around the neck. He is 14”, and has 4 woven claws on each appendage. The nose was hand sewn too, vertically with brown cord. The glass eyes have a painted back, and anchored in place. The wool felt pads are in excellent conditions. Value your German born teddy would be $350.00 and up, increased with provenance.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

I'm curious who is the maker and the value. He sits about 1ft tall and weighs maybe a pound or two. Stout little bear. Look forward to hearing from you.

Mike

Hi Julie,
Your heirloom teddy, with the Steiff underscored button, is a classic! Steiff, being the ultimate German maker, has retained his glory! At 12”, he is just a tad larger than the doll sized teddy. The button is from 1905- onward, with the blank button being 1904-05. A one year characteristic of 5 claws happened only in 1905. After that, four claws were apparent. He has some mohair loss, and stuffing has settled, but his wool felt pad appears in excellent condition. His upturned nose is quite impressive!
The long arms, and large feet were early traits. His hand closed seam is in the front. The nose is perfectly stitched, with the mouth extension. His value would be $800.00 as is. Nice!
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
This bear has been in our family for many years and as you can see is in poor condition,, it's 17 inches tall when standing, straw filled with jointed arms legs and head all joined with disks that I can feel,, it also has a hump on it upper back,, we have always been curious where it originates from?

We are based in the United Kingdom.
Many Thanks
Gary

Brenda,

Partnering with a friend of a friend selling his mom's doll collection. She passed in the 1980's and assembled an amazing collection of over 500 dolls. She kept meticulous notes about her collection. Unfortunately this one fell through the cracks and we can't find documentation. Thank you!

Bob

Hi Bob,
Your pictures are great, letting me see the wire jointing, felt pads and simple gathers in the arms to cover the seam closing. He is an early Japanese model, made with short bristle mohair, thin armature, and small defined feet. The original shoe button eye points to the 1920s for his birth. The horizontally stitched nose is simple, with an cord extension for his slight smiling mouth. At 14”, he is medium sized bear, a perfect companion for dolls. The hand wool pads are larger to permit the slight outward appeal..offering more character. The three cord claws are intact, a marvel for an antique teddy bear. His tummy is rotund and provides a great sitting posture. Japan moved into the battery operated toys in the 1950s, and away from mohair. These were acrylic, but many were based on teddy bears. They also did the “ Penny Bear”, during this era, offered in a plastic bag, with wire jointing. Value for your not commonly seen Japan bear would be $200.00.
Brenda

Hi Terry,
What an unusual curly teddy with extra long arms and legs! He is an artist teddy, with an inset muzzle and small side ears and a homespun feel with the checkered neck scarf and bean shaped body. While his head is non jointed, the arms and legs seem to move, with string joints. He has an antique linen herb label sewn onto his tummy..most likely his name- “Butternut”! It comes from New Lebanon, NY, where a Shaker Society was established in the late 1700s to honor their beliefs and way for living. We have a similar notable Shaker Museum here In Cleveland..honoring the simple life. Shaker furniture was and is still very admired. Minimal was a theme, and organization a key to living. The hand crafted teddy seems to appeal to all with his nutmeg type fabric, simple horizontal stitched nose and shoe button eyes placed high on his forehead. He is a nubby bear with a relic of the Shaker Society attached! The label itself could sell for $25.00, original linen! The teddy is an original design too, perhaps with the Shaker simplistic style. His value would be $45.00, increasing the total value to $70.00. Love his provenance!
Brenda