Hi Brenda,
I’m trying to get an approximate value for a 24" tall Gund bear and I wonder if you could help out ? The 24" tall Gund bear was donated at a local charity shop, where my wife is a volunteer, in North Yorkshire, UK. The charity shop is part of the Herriot Hospice unit which helps provide funding for hospice-style care at home for those in our remote rural community. We just want to make sure the bear is priced sensibly at the charity shop as it is in very good condition and has been well looked after for the last 46 years. Many thanks for any help you provide.
Best Regards, Alan

Hi Alan,
What a great teddy for your auction! He’s a nice large size, quite huggable, and in such fine condition. No joints mean he can also be a wrestling bear!
The fur is perfect, eyes and nose also great and he’ll make friends with everyone! God bless you on your efforts to bring comfort and care to those needing it; a very fine attribute!
I would estimate a value today at $125.00
Wishing you much success.
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

My sweet mohair, chunky bear is 14” tall. I can feel a covered space inside maybe he was a growler? He did lose some felt on his right paw there is some wool there until he can be repaired. Other wise pretty good condition. He has 4 claws each on his paws. Stitched nose and glass eyes. No button that I can see

Thanks so much,
Dana

Hi Dana,
Your sweet mohair teddy measuring 14" tall is a Steiff from the 1950s, called an Original Teddy. He is caramel mohair with a bit of fading over the years. The one paw pad could be recovered to contain the stuffing. The pads are wool felt, his eyes are glass, and he does have a growler in the tummy. Some work, some do not, depending on the air tight container. You can try to tilt him front to back to see if the growler works. His claws and nose were hand stitched. Your version without the heart shaped head pattern, is most desirable. Value for teddy would be $175.00. He is vintage now, being 50 years and older!

Brenda

Hello Brenda,

We welcomed this teddy bear name Leo, to our forever home today.

I believe he's excelsior filled with mohair. I'm not sure what brand or era he is from. He is 20 inches tall.

I hope you can give me more info,

thank you, .
Jesse

Hi Jesse,
You sure added a great bear with this new addition! Leo is a 1950s mohair Steiff bear measuring at the classic 20” size. That size is a favorite for collectors, as it is large! They are stuffed with excelsior, have the wool felt pads, a vertically stitched nose, and some have working growlers that still preform. Yours does not have the button, but his condition is so great, we can overlook that. It was called the “young bear” with the classic styling. At one time, these bears were selling for nearly $1,000. The prices have come down somewhat, but your example would be $500.00. Enjoy Leo!
Brenda

Hello Brenda,
The 15" tall bear was in my mother’s belongings when she passed away. We are assuming it was hers, although we found some of her siblings’ and her mother’s things mixed in as well. Mom was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1927; her siblings were ten to fifteen years older. Her mother immigrated from Austria in 1905 at the age of ten. We don’t think the bear is that old.
This bear was clearly loved in his prime, but has been carefully packed away for many decades, which made us wonder if he might be older than my mother’s time. He has metal connectors holding his limbs. Both eyes are clear and intact, I’m not sure about eye material, but feels like plastic. His fur is definitely worn, but he seems otherwise intact.
Kristye

Hi Kristye,
Your Mom’s teddy bear is German, so that fits right into her Austrian! The Kiesewetter family were in Neustadt, known as the toy makers. They produced teddy bears and animals from 1921. Anton Kiesewetter Jr. was the plush designer..very productive and resourceful. His whole family helped in this endeavor and by 1949, their trademark was Petz…in German that means friend! The pointed toes, felt pads, simple horizontal nose cord, excelsior stuffed, and the three claws were all their traits. In the 1950s, a circular, small milk glass white pin was attached on the left upper chest, reading Petz! In German, that means “friend”. At 15” and near mint condition with the exception of the exposed wire at the joints, he dates to the early 1940s. Value for teddy would be $300.00.
Brenda

Hello Brenda,
I found Grizzley at a yard sale some years ago and simply could not leave him there alone, especially in his condition at the time. At that same sale, I bought an antique Scottish heavy woolen vest and had the repair lady use that fabric to make his ears and a new snout, and she added eyes. His former “fur” (most of which has been rubbed off) appears to have been dark brown, and about 1/4” long. He’s very special. He’s featured prominently in my novel…Grizzly is 12-13”. Kinda Frankenstein like with all the repairs.
Thanks in advance for your time,
Maggie

Hi Maggie,
What a great story for your classic American teddy made by Gund. He dates to the 1940s, and was called the four circle bear. The circle pads were adaptive and offered a way to incorporate contrasting colors! As a German immigrant, Adolf Gund arrived in NY City for work and founded his novelty Co. In 1898. By 1899, he made his first fabric animals. As time went on, Jacob Swedlin, a young immigrant as well, liked working for Mr. Gund and became very good with design work. Eventually, Jacob took over the firm! I mention this because your teddy had his birth with Gund during the reign of Mr. Swedlin. Teddy is still together thanks to your adoption and I bet he loves being featured in your book! Value is long on sentiments…enjoy! Brenda

Hello Brenda,
This 20” bear belonged to my mother-in-law and was left to me. She received the bear for her 3rd birthday in 1916. I believe her mother made the repairs on it. She told a story that this bear fell into a creek and her mother retrieved it and hung it by its ears to dry on the clothesline. My MIL said she cried as she thought it was hurting the bear:)) As an adult, my MIL kept baby clothes on it to protect the mohair. I keep it in a dress that my MIL wore when she was 3. I would appreciate any information on this precious heirloom. Also, would it be a good idea to have it restored or is it better to keep it in original condition? It will be handed down in the family. Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
Loved your provenance associated with your special family teddy bear! The decision to grant you the next years together was indeed perfect! Teddy is American made, most likely an Ideal and made in the teen years, coinciding with your Mother-in-laws birth date! Ideal was our first bear making company.
TR- Theodore Roosevelt, refused to shoot the little bear cub in the Clifford Berryman cartoon, on the “Bear Hunt” in Mississippi. It was published in the Washington Post, "Drawing the Line in Mississippi". The stationery shop owners of Ideal, Morris and Rose Michtom, blossomed into this made to measure venture!
Your bear is gold mohair, the common color! The stuffing is excelsior, the wool felt pads and the embroidered nose are still intact and quite remarkable. The glass eyes could use a slight cleaning with a Q-Tip. I would have it professionally restored with slight recovering for the pads and maybe mohair inserted for the right arm. We want him to continue a long productive life. I would appraise him today at $800.00 with a gentle restore. You’ll continue the Mother-in-law's legacy, keep pictures of her with him! He is an antique at this age!
Brenda

Dear Brenda,

One more bear from my collection. This one was listed as vintage U.K mohair bear with vintage collar and civil war pin. The collar in stitched together in front so is not removable. He is 18” and firmly stuffed with wood wool and no growler. His paw pads are velvet.
I appreciate any information you can give me on him.

Thank you,
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
Your photos have a hazy touch and makes it difficult to do close ups…hard on one’s eyes as well, but doing my best to respond. Bear #1, is German, a Hermann Pluschtiere from the 1950s with red glass eyes. The covered pads were redone in velvet, as you can see from the tiny invisible stitches, with slight puckering. Original pads were wool felt. The collar was placed there by the owner, and it fits him well as a sailor. The final closing stitches are on Teddy’s back. The slight upturn of the paws was also a Hermann trait, with three claws. Perhaps the right side of the mouth area (cord) is underneath the mohair, and just needs a bit of tweaking. Aside from that, he is mint and would carry a value of
$375.00.
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

This 19” bear has been in my collection for several years
but I don’t know much about him. He is stuffed with excelsior and does not have a growler. His sparse mohair is in pretty good shape and it looks like he’s had some repairs done.
I would appreciate anything you could tell me about him.

Thank you,
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
This large sized gold mohair teddy is also German, Hans Leh in Coburg and dates to 1930-40s with the pointed wool felt pads. His muzzle is the determining factor- extended and prominent, almost to the length of the arms. He has three claws on each appendage with the wool felt foot pads forming a point. The mohair is short and in good condition with an inset muzzle for the face. The glass eyes are inserted right at the head seam. The final closing is also in the back. Stuffed with excelsior, the glass eyes are affixed in the back of the head. The ears are stitched in place with a cupping technique. Value for this teddy would be $500.00.
Brenda

Dear Brenda,

Here is another bear from my collection, purchased several years ago at an antique mall. I know he is a Steiff, but can’t figure out which model or what year he is from. He is about 12 1/2” tall and seems to have a solid breastplate in his front tummy, but no growler. He’s very firmly stuffed. I would appreciate any information you could give me on him.

Thank you,
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
Your small sized mohair Steiff is possibly in between the sizes you mentioned-either 11.024. “or 13.78”. The 12 1/2” size you mentioned is not recorded in the Steiff Sortiment book. Possibly could be oversized and qualified for “seconds” bin, or maybe your ruler or tape was at fault. Nonetheless, it is a Steiff with a blank yellow tag and button in the left ear. This teddy is called “Original Teddy” made from 1950s-60s.The color is caramel—other colors were gold, brown and white. It was made with a chest tag hanging from the center body and also a yellow ribbon around the neck. They also had a chest squeaker on the small bears, a growler for larger ones. Value today would be $125.00.
Brenda

Dear Brenda,

Here is another bear from my collection. When I purchased it at a mall in Lansing, it was listed as an Educa Bear, but I’d like to be sure if that’s true. I thought he might be Hermann. He’s about 16” and has a growler, but it only squeaks.

Thank you any info you can give me on him.

Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
Your inclination of this teddy is correct, it is Hermann made by Max Hermann in the 1950s. He is one of the dynasty teddies, meaning this famous family in Germany settled in Sonneberg famous for their Toy Exhibitions. Your mohair teddy with upturned paws has the classic 3 claws on each appendage. He could use some wool felt inserted into his left paw. Hermanns are usually notorious for their growlers always working, but thank you for mentioning cause a squeaker takes up less room inside! The typical horizontal nose cord is perfect, along with the drop stitch for the mouth extension. Value for this 16” teddy would be $200.00.
Brenda

Hi Tracy,
Your Mom’s wonderful mohair teddy is American, Knickerbocker and dates to the 1930s. The dark brown mohair was classic as well as the glass eyes, vertically stitched nose and felt pads. Knickerbocker Toy Co. was established in NY in the mid 1800s making wooden alphabet blocks in the Victorian mode. They introduced teddies and other toys in the 1920s. They moved to NJ in 1968, and produced Smokey Bear until the mid 70s. Shirley Temple really made them famous as her Grumpy bear, filmed the movie with her..”Now and Forever”! Knickerbocker was a classic American Co. They were acquired by Hasbro and closed in 1984. Value for your original Knickerbocker 24” teddy would be $500.00 with provenance, glass eyes, kapok stuffing and mint felt pads.
Brenda

Hi Larry,
Thank you for your detailed info on the marvelous brown mohair teddy bear! You mentioned Knickerbocker, which was a very prominent maker of American bears as well as other animals. Originally founded in 1850 in NY, their product at that time was lithographed alphabet blocks. Teddy bears and other stuffed toys came into production in the 1920s. Your brown mohair teddy is one of their classic colors…and since he is unjointed, without paw pads, we call him a crib bear. He was cuddly. i believe the eyes are plastic as glass would have not been available for this size and style. The plastic ones were more secure. He dates to the 1960s, as you indicated! The studded orange rhinestone collar was a perfect addition; seemingly like a dog collar, and it matches his eyes! This was not original. One very famous Knickerbocker bear was owned by Shirley Temple, and it appeared on camera with her in the movie, Now and Forever in 1934. Your teddy is an original, dating to the late 50-60 era, in excellent condition and would be valued at $125.00.
Brenda

Hi Susan,
Your large mohair teddy is quite a prize! The traits of Farnell fit right into this majestic bear, dating him to around 1930s, with long mohair, dark glass eyes, large feet, long arms, and perky ears! The partially shaven muzzle allows his character to shine through with the large vertically stitched nose and mouth extension. He has a very soulful look, perfect for the attributes of Farnell. Dee Hockenberry’s Big Bear book has a great close-up of a 28” Farnell on pg. 79. I am particularly fond of these English bears and the connection to Winnie the Pooh. Always top quality materials and connections to Winnie the Pooh as AA. Milne wrote books about his son, Christopher Robin and a teddy bear! Farnell teddies from this period had great mohair and presence. His value would be $3,000.00
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
I would like to find out information on this Incredible bear that I acquired.
I am not a bear collector. I am a antique collector. I acquired this incredible bear when I was treasure hunting at an affluent community in CA. The lady of the house was Ginny Lee. She was a passionate lover of antiques and one of the areas premier antique dealers. Her antique collection was incredible. Ginny Lee had an extensive collection and this big bear stood in her bedroom.
I just want to say that to add some provenance to the incredible bear.

Hi Damon,
Your studio bear certainly has a presence with his size and endearing face. I am assuming it is stuffed with excelsior, the most common artist choice for keeping teddy standing. It is not a Steiff though, with the construction I see and choice of the amazing eye encasements. They seem to be leather with glass eyes. The fur is quite long for his body while the muzzle is shorter and I am not certain it is mohair. Whoever designed Ted, took great care in presenting his large presence. The back seam closure is visible, where the stuffing was placed then closed. His face is very expressive, with the large inlaid eyes, muzzle and nose. It took a talented sewer to accomplish this large project, and I am sure he is a mascot for you. I am not sure of the fabric composition, but his expression is endearing. I would estimate a value of $500.00 and up for your artist studio bear.
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

Fully jointed, filled with Straw? Also has a growler that works.

Small hole on paw pad.
18-19" tall.

Thank you,
Jenal

Hi Jenal,
This mohair teddy is also German, from another famous maker, Hermann. The toy factory was also a family affair, with Max Hermann in Sonneberg. His factory was founded in 1920, and continued with family ties until the 1980s. The Pluschtiere hand tag was affixed to the left chest. All mohair, with felt pads, an inset muzzle of shorter mohair, red glass eyes, a horizontal nose cord with a septum connecting to the smiling mouth. It is hand closed in the back. He is in excellent condition and dates to the 1960s. The interior ear mohair matches the muzzle. Sam is an 18” teddy with a value of $200.00.
Brenda

Hi Bruce,
Very interesting teddy bears, and I think I found their original ad as it appeared in the “ Collectors History of the Teddy Bear, by Pat Schnnmaker, 1981, published by Hobby House Press, Inc. In the ad, 2 bears were offered- 14 and 18”, as well as rag doll. This was a pattern, the bear skin cloth, 44” wide, and a piece of kid 6x9” were required to complete. The look is exactly like your bears. So, we can say it is an early American teddy, handmade by a skilled sewer, non-jointed with cotton stuffing. The nose appears to be composition that has been painted black. No joints, just the ability to pose the legs in the sitting position. The eyes appear to be glass, which could have been from a doll supplier. With the early age, and the Ladies World magazine dated to February, 1907, we can say this a an antique teddy.
I would put the value of the larger bear, today at USD $450.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

Poodle is 19" tall. An estate sale find- bendy - in arms-, and that's all I know about him.

Hi Jenal,
Your Schuco plush dog comes from the famous Schreyer & Co. toy factory of Germany in Nuremberg. Originally founded by Heinrich Muller and Heinrich Schreyer in 1912, they did mechanical plush toys, and were quite the experts in tinplate toys too. In 1918, Schreyer left the company and Adolf Kahn became a partner. They made top quality items. Your poodle with the drawstring attachment appears to be white mohair, with a Pom Pom nose, glass eyes, fully costumed and labeled Bigo Bello, with Western Germany, dates it from 1949- 1990.
I would say 1960s for your 20” poodle with a value of $175.00.
Brenda

Hello Brenda,
The teddy bear, which appears to be yellow in coloration is 21" tall. No discernible manufacturer tags or buttons present on the bear. Jointed 5-way, stuffed with straw, which has substantial weight to maintain a seated position. Glass eyes. The paw pads are felt or suede material. There is some apparent fur loss of mohair.
Small areas of wear are present on the paw pads, through which the straw stuffing is visible; these are the only areas where the stuffing is exposed.
Thank you,
Jenal

Hi Jenal,
Your wonderful gold mohair teddy is German, from Petz and hails from the Neustadt near Coburg factory. Originally founded in 1859, they advertised in 1949 their Petz quality teddy bears and other animals. Anton Kiesewetter, the locksmith within the family, decided to concentrate on plush toys. The milk glass Petz button was attached to the left chest of each teddy. Pointed toe pads, long arms with a slight upturn at the end, a horizontal cord nose and tucked in ears were also traits along with the four claws on each appendage. By 1967, the company liquidation took place with a heavy heart- Gerhard
Kiesewetter. They also made other animals, but the teddy was king for the circus! Value for your 1950s 20” teddy is $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

I purchased this bear at a local thrift store and wondered who he is!
He measures 16" in height and is fully jointed. He has one glass eye missing, neck ribbon was on him when purchased.
He seems to be stuffed with soft and excelsior and has a non working growler in his belly.
Thank you,

Paulette

Hi Paulette,
Your now white appearing mohair teddy was once a gold mohair and has American traits with no claws and horizontal few cord stitches for the nose area. He has Knickerbocker appeal, without the vertical nose. The remaining glass eye is large and Amber, a color this company was known for. It appears to be original. The long arms and feet are without claws while the pads are a wool felt. They are over stitched in place. I would date him to the 1940s. Stuffed with excelsior and kapok, he was very cuddly. It appears he has hand closure in the back,
an American trait as well. Value for your “new love” would be $200.00. Bessie Pease Gutmann, an established artist, used this term for her new found teddy that replaced her other toy,
a doll In an original print! Enjoy!
Brenda